Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 150D near Portland, ME — 2013-11-30

Final reportERA14CA065
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Date
2013-11-30
Location
Portland, ME, USA
Airport
PWM
Aircraft
CESSNA 150D
Registration
N4478U
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control during landing.

NTSB narrative

The purpose of the flight was to fly to an airport located about 32 miles north-northeast of the departure airport. The automated terminal information service (ATIS) information "Zulu" in effect at the time of departure indicated in part that the wind was variable at 4 knots, and landing and departing runway was 11. Shortly after departure using runway 11, he elected to return. While on the downwind leg for runway 11, he was advised by the controller that runway 18 was available and was given the wind from 140 degrees at 8 knots. He agreed to runway 18, and was cleared to land on that runway. On final approach in the tailwheel equipped airplane, he maintained a left wing low attitude to compensate for the crosswind, 20 degrees of flaps extended, and 60 miles-per-hour. During the flare when the airplane was three feet above ground level, the left wing lifted abruptly and he applied left aileron but the airplane yawed to the left. The right wing contacted the runway, and the airplane bounced but was facing the opposite direction. He secured the airplane, did a walk around inspection, and then taxied to the ramp. He further stated there was no mechanical failure of malfunction. A surface weather observation at the accident airport at 1334, or about 4 minutes after the accident indicates the wind was from 070 degrees at 6 knots; no gusts were reported.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Could have chosen to go around instead of attempting to land.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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