Pilot Debrief

Hughes J/Hughes J Rand-Robinson near Pearland, TX — 2010-10-29

Final reportCEN11CA046
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Date
2010-10-29
Location
Pearland, TX, USA
Airport
LVJ
Aircraft
Hughes J/Hughes J Rand-Robinson
Registration
N128JH
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was an engine oil leak which partially obscured the pilot’s forward vision.

NTSB narrative

The pilot/builder was making the first flight of the experimental single engine airplane after having completed several high-speed taxi tests and ground runs of the engine. Shortly after becoming airborne and during the initial climb, the pilot began to notice oil on the windshield. He returned to the airport to land by which time the oil film was significantly reducing his forward visibility and he had difficulty judging his height above the ground. During the landing the airplane touched down hard and bounced. On the second touchdown both main landing gear legs collapsed and penetrated through the top surfaces of the wings. The pilot stated that he was unable to determine the source of the engine oil leak.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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