Pilot Debrief

CESSNA TU206F near Schafers Meadows, MT — 2015-06-23

Final reportWPR15LA198
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Date
2015-06-23
Location
Schafers Meadows, MT, USA
Airport
8U2
Aircraft
CESSNA TU206F
Registration
N8424Q
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll in variable and gusting wind conditions.

NTSB narrative

The airline transport pilot was transporting two passengers to a river for a float trip. The pilot reported that, during the approach, the airport's windsock indicated variable wind from the west, with the wind shifting directions, and that gusts filled the wind sock. During the final approach, the airplane experienced an extreme downdraft and touched down about midfield. The airplane began rolling down the runway, and the wind shifted. The airplane then lifted off the runway with a left yaw. The airplane settled back onto the runway, and the pilot attempted to stop the airplane; however, it exited the end of the runway and came to rest in trees. Postaccident examination of the engine and airframe revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. A weather study revealed that, about the time of the accident, wind was about 10 knots gusting up to 20 knots and that the wind direction was shifting. The cumulus clouds around the mountains and accident site likely increased the effects of the gusting wind conditions. The variable and gusting wind conditions likely contributed to the pilot's inability to maintain directional control of the airplane.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the landing due to turbulent conditions and wind shifts.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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