Pilot Debrief

PILATUS PC12 near Belgrade, MT — 2015-07-08

Final reportGAA15CA174
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Date
2015-07-08
Location
Belgrade, MT, USA
Airport
BZN
Aircraft
PILATUS PC12
Registration
N220CL
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's improper use of pitch control during an instructional maneuver, which resulted in a tail strike during landing.

NTSB narrative

During a pilot competency checkride, while on downwind in the traffic pattern, the pilot reported that the examiner requested a zero flap, power off, 180 degree approach and landing. As the airplane arrived at the threshold, the pilot noted higher than normal airspeed and a greater than normal approach angle of attack. The pilot increased the angle of attack until the stick shaker activated and then performed a go around maneuver. During the go around, the tail struck the runway, but the pilot reported that he did not remember feeling the tail touch the runway. After the go around, the pilot completed the maneuver without incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder during the tailstrike. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 4 docket documents
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Docket documents4

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