Pilot Debrief

Wildman RV6-A near Columbia, CA — 2010-05-20

Final reportWPR10LA250
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Date
2010-05-20
Location
Columbia, CA, USA
Airport
O22
Aircraft
Wildman RV6-A
Registration
N578RJ
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate compensation for the gusting crosswind and improper landing flare.

NTSB narrative

The pilot-rated passenger seated in the right seat reported that, just prior to landing, the pilot listened to the airport's automated weather observing system, which reported a 90-degree crosswind of 7 knots gusting to 14 knots. During the landing sequence, and just before touchdown, the airplane suddenly lost altitude and landed hard, striking the left wing and landing gear on the runway. Subsequently, the airplane bounced and veered to the left. The airplane bounced a second time before impacting and coming to rest against three unoccupied, parked airplanes. Postaccident examination verified flight control continuity throughout the rudder, elevator, right aileron, and left flap. The damage to the left aileron outboard hinge and right flap control arm were both consistent with impact damage.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted landing due to sudden loss of altitude.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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