Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 305 near Sterling, MA — 2024-08-25

Final reportERA24LA358
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Date
2024-08-25
Location
Sterling, MA, USA
Airport
3B3
Aircraft
CESSNA 305
Registration
N5673B
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop and subsequent landing gear collapse. Contributing was the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.

Contributing factors

Contributing was the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was receiving instruction from a flight instructor in the tailwheel-equipped airplane to become a glider tow pilot. The pilot landed the airplane on the grass next to the paved runway, an area that included a paved taxiway that crossed over it. Upon reaching the taxiway the airplane bounced and swerved to the right. The pilot corrected with rudder application and braking, but the airplane continued its right turn and ground looped. During the ground loop the left main landing gear collapsed and the left wing impacted the ground, substantially damaging it. The flight instructor reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The flight instructor also reported that he could have been faster in taking control of the airplane after it initially began to turn, but had relaxed because they were in the roll out phase of the landing, and because the pilot had previously landed the airplane without issue.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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