Pilot Debrief

AERO COMMANDER 100-180 near Athens, OH — 2011-05-21

Final reportCEN11LA352
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Date
2011-05-21
Location
Athens, OH, USA
Airport
UNI
Aircraft
AERO COMMANDER 100-180
Registration
N4016X
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed in the flare which resulted in a stall and a hard landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he flew a stable approach and as he flared the airplane, a wind gust raised the nose and slowed the airplane. He added engine power, but the airplane descended and impacted the runway. The right main landing gear collapsed and the airplane skidded off the right side of the runway resulting in a collapsed nose gear and a propeller strike. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no preimpact mechanical anomalies, and substantial damage was noted to the firewall and fuselage. Witnesses reported that the airplane was on a high, steep, and fast approach before the landing flare and touchdown occurred near mid-field. The airplane appeared to "balloon" during the flare and stall prior to impact with the runway.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the landing due to high, steep approach and wind gusts.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

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