Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary DFW06CA215

Ponca, AR, USA

Aircraft #1

N143RM

Maule MT-7

Analysis

The 2,129-hour commercial pilot executed a straight-in approach to his private airstrip. On final approach, the pilot configured the airplane with full flaps, nose-trimmed-up, and maintained 60 knots. The pilot reported that the airplane landed hard on the 1,200-foot long by 60-foot wide private grass airstrip. The tricycle gear equipped airplane bounced and became airborne after the hard landing. During the second touchdown, the nose landing gear collapsed and the airplane nosed over, subsequently coming to rest near the center of the airstrip, in the inverted position. There was no fire and the pilot was able to egress from the airplane unassisted. The first touchdown point was reported at a point 120 feet beyond the landing threshold, with a second touchdown point found to be 110 feet beyond the initial touchdown point. The pilot reported clear skies, and the wind from 130 degrees at 10 knots, and added that the grass runway was "mowed, smooth, and normal." The pilot reported that total time on the airframe was 70 hours and he had accumulated a total of 82 hours in the same make and model.

Factual Information

The 2,129-hour commercial pilot executed a straight-in approach to his private airstrip. On final approach, the pilot had the airplane configured with full flaps, with nose-trimmed-up, while maintaining 60 knots. The pilot reported that the airplane landed hard on the 1,200-foot long by 60-foot wide private grass airstrip. The tricycle gear equipped airplane bounced and became airborne after the hard landing. During the second touchdown, the nose landing gear collapsed and the airplane nosed over, subsequently coming to rest near the center of the airstrip, in the inverted position. There was no fire and the pilot was able to egress from the airplane unassisted. The first touchdown point was reported at a point 120 feet beyond the landing threshold, with a second touchdown point found to be 110 feet beyond the initial touchdown point. The pilot reported clear skies, and the wind from 130 degrees at 10 knots, and added that the grass runway was "mowed, smooth, and normal." The pilot reported that total time on the airframe was 70 hours and he had accumulated a total of 82 hours in the same make and model.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper flare resulting in a hard landing.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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