Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary FTW97TA075

CLEBURNE, TX, USA

Aircraft #1

N4732N

Cessna 182Q

Analysis

The pilot was performing a full flap landing on runway 33 with a crosswind from 250 degrees at 10 gusting 15 knots, when he lost control of the airplane. He reported that he was on short final when he became aware of 'the cross wind and a high sink rate.' The pilot further reported that 'at about 10 feet [I] started experiencing instability and applied full power for go-around.' He stated that the airplane touched down, and he 'was unable to maintain aircraft control over runway and climb.' Witnesses reported that 'the airplane sounded like it was at full power. Subsequently, it hit a dirt bank beside the runway, where the terrain rose abruptly, then it nosed over. The airplane's Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) stated that 'in a balked landing (go-around), the wing flap setting should be reduced to 20 degrees immediately after full power is applied.' The POH also stated that the maximum demonstrated crosswind velocity for this airplane was 15 knots.

Factual Information

On January 4, 1997, at 1040 central standard time, a Cessna 182Q, was substantially damaged following a loss of control during landing at Cleburne Municipal Airport near Cleburne, Texas. The private pilot and his two passengers were not injured. The aircraft was registered to the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Inc. and operated by the Texas Wing of the CAP under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated from Grand Prairie Municipal Airport near Grand Prairie, Texas, at 0930. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the cross country flight and a flight plan was not filed. According to the pilot, he was on short final for runway 33 with full flaps (40 degrees) when he became aware of a "cross wind and a high sink rate." The pilot reported that "at about 10 feet [I] started experiencing instability and applied full power for go-around." The pilot further reported that after he landed, he "was unable to maintain aircraft control over runway and climb." The airplane veered off the runway, impacted a dirt berm, and nosed over to the inverted position. The CAP investigator, who responded to the accident site, reported to the NTSB investigator-in-charge that he found the airplane's flaps in the 40 degree down position. He found the airplane in the inverted orientation aligned approximately 050 degrees. Witnesses reported to the CAP investigator that "the airplane sounded like it was at full power, and it was traveling on the ground approximately 90 degrees to the runway when it hit the dirt berm." The CAP investigator reported to the IIC that the dirt berm, which was parallel to the runway, was located "between 60 to 70 feet east of the runway." The airplane's Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) states that "in a balked landing (go-around), the wing flap setting should be reduced to 20 degrees immediately after full power is applied." The POH also states that the maximum demonstrated crosswind velocity for this airplane is 15 knots.

Probable Cause and Findings

the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. Factors relating to the accident were: the crosswind, and the dirt bank which was parallel to the runway.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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