Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 195A near Laconia, NH — 2023-07-31

Final reportERA23LA318
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Date
2023-07-31
Location
Laconia, NH, USA
Airport
LCI
Aircraft
CESSNA 195A
Registration
N9855A
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the tailwheel-equipped airplane, which resulted in a ground-loop.

NTSB narrative

In a written statement, the pilot said that he completed the final, 3-hour leg of a multi-leg cross-country flight and landed 1 hour after official sunset. The pilot described the landing as being a routine 3-point landing in the tailwheel-equipped airplane in “perfect” weather conditions. He stated that, during the landing roll about 1,200 ft down the runway, the airplane “suddenly turned sharply to the right.” He applied full brakes but was unable to arrest the turn. The airplane departed the right side of the runway and came to rest with the left main landing gear folded beneath the fuselage, which was substantially damaged. The pilot initially reported a ground loop event, and then later stated the accident resulted from locked wheel brakes on either the right or left side, or perhaps a sheared left main landing gear attachment bolt. Examination of the airplane revealed no preimpact mechanical anomalies with the airplane. A secondary examination of the left main landing gear attachment hardware revealed damage and fracture signatures consistent with overstress. The pilot did not have any recent night flying experience.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have opted for a go-around instead of landing at night.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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