Aviation Accident Summary ERA20CA107

Frederick, MD, USA

Aircraft #1

N71GC

Orlican L60

Analysis

The pilot reported that he was practicing landings as part of a check-out flight. During the final approach, the airplane ballooned slightly, which the pilot attributed to a wind gust. He flared the balloon and then touched down, and the airplane began to veer left. He attempted to correct with full right rudder, right brake, and left aileron. As the airplane came to a stop on the runway, the right main landing gear buckled, and the right wing struck the runway. The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was calm; however, the pilot reported that, after he egressed from the airplane, he saw that the windsock indicated a crosswind. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

The pilot reported that the airplane was in the process of being purchased from the previous owner, and the purpose of the flight was to practice landings as part of a check-out flight. During the second landing on runway 05, the airplane ballooned slightly during the flare, which the pilot attributed to a wind gust. After touchdown, the airplane began to veer left. He attempted to correct with full right rudder, right brake and left aileron, but he was unsuccessful. As the airplane came to a stop on the runway, the right main landing gear buckled, and the right wing struck the runway, which resulted in substantial damage. The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was calm; however, the pilot reported that after he egressed from the airplane, he observed that the windsock indicated a crosswind. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during the approach, which resulted in the airplane ballooning and then veering left upon landing and the right wing impacting the runway.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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