CESSNA 208B near Grand Forks, ND — 2015-11-11

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to properly calculate the airplane's weight and balance and center of gravity, which resulted in the tail striking the ground.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot was conducting a cross-country business flight. He landed the airplane and then taxied to the ramp. The pilot instructed the passengers to remain seated and then deplaned to attach the tailstand, at which point the airplane tipped back and struck the pavement with its tail. The pilot reboarded and instructed the passengers to leave their seats and move forward, and the airplane righted itself. The forward bulkhead for the horizontal stabilizer attachment point was crushed and torn, and three stringers, another bulkhead, and the lower skin were damaged in the accident. The center of gravity (CG) was calculated postaccident based on the available weight and balance data, and it was aft of the CG limit. It is likely that the pilot did not properly calculate the airplane's weight and balance and CG, which resulted in the airplane tipping backward as the pilot attempted to attach the tailstand.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Human factors

First missed decision gate

Pilot should have ensured passengers were not seated before deplaning.

NTSB coding

• Aircraft loading event · Standing-engine(s) not oper
• Planning / Preparation

Evidence available

• 5 docket documents

Docket documents5

• FAA Inspector's Statementinterview
• Pilot's Insurance Loss Statementinterview
• FAA Ferry Permitother
• Permanent Repairs Madeother
• Temporary Repairs Madeother