Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CEN12CA027

Breaux Bridge, LA, USA

Aircraft #1

N610EC

Michael Cans RV-8

Analysis

During the landing roll at a private airstrip, the airplane struck a sinkhole and bounced 10 to 15 feet in the air. The pilot added power to cushion the next touchdown, but the airplane drifted to the left and entered tall grass on the side of the runway; the landing gear separated and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the composite bulkhead. The airplane slid approximately 150 feet before coming to a stop on its belly. The pilot said that he did not see the sinkhole. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

During the landing roll at a private airstrip, the airplane struck a sink hole and bounced 10 to 15 feet in the air. The pilot added power to cushion the next touchdown and the airplane drifted to the left. The airplane settled to the side of the runway. The pilot decided to land and reduced engine power. The airplane entered tall grass on the side of the runway and the landing gear was broken off. The airplane slid approximately 150 feet before coming to a stop on its belly. The pilot said he did not see the pot hole. The composite bulkhead around the landing gear was split. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane after striking an unseen sinkhole during landing.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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