Pilot Debrief

CESSNA P210 near Grass Valley, CA — 2018-05-09

Final reportGAA18CA271
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Date
2018-05-09
Location
Grass Valley, CA, USA
Airport
GOO
Aircraft
CESSNA P210
Registration
N210BG
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a long landing and a runway excursion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, while en route, he noticed a loose camlock screw on the engine cowling and decided to land the airplane at the nearest airport. He added that, during the landing, he applied the brakes, but they had "minimal effect." As the airplane slowed "very slightly," he determined he could make the taxiway turn. But, he added that, "the left steering did not [a]ffect direction." The airplane exited the runway and went over the runway embankment. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that the brakes failed to slow the airplane to a complete stop, and the nosewheel failed to turn. A local mechanic examined the brakes following the accident and found no anomalies. The airport manager reported that marks on the runway showed that the airplane had touched down about 1,000 to 1,500 ft beyond the approach end of the runway. Additionally, there was about a 15- ft-long skid mark showing a skidding left turn before the airplane exited the runway. Pictures submitted by the Federal Aviation Administration inspector showed the skid marks turning left while exiting the end of the runway. The airport supplement stated that runway 25 sloped downhill to the west.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted landing due to brake issues before touchdown.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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