Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ANC11CA049

Kenai, AK, USA

Aircraft #1

N8976R

CHAMPION 7HC

Analysis

The pilot was landing on a beach when the airplane struck a rock, resulting in a nose over and separation of the right main landing gear. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing during the accident sequence. Prior to landing, the pilot made a low pass over the beach, and thought it looked suitable for landing. However, after touchdown, he realized the rocks on the beach were larger than they appeared from the air. The pilot said there were no known mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident. In a written statement to the NTSB, the pilot said he should have picked a better place to land.

Factual Information

The solo airline transport pilot was landing on a beach when the airplane struck a rock, resulting in a nose over and separation of the right main landing gear. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing during the accident sequence. The pilot made a low pass over the landing area, and thought it looked suitable for landing. Upon landing, he said the rocks on the beach were larger than they appeared from the air, and he inadvertently struck one. The pilot said there were no known mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident. In a written statement to the NTSB, the pilot said he should have picked a better place to land.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, resulting in the collapse of the main landing gear, and a nose over.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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