Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ERA20CA131

Social Circle, GA, USA

Aircraft #1

N23TN

American Legand Aircraft AL18

Analysis

According to the pilot, he was conducting a low pass through an abandoned power line easement on a small lake peninsula. He was flying directly into the wind, and as the airplane approached hilly terrain, the wind changed. The airplane then encountered turbulence and impacted terrain. The airplane subsequently bounced, and the pilot applied "heavy braking, The airplane then nosed over and came to rest inverted, which resulted in substantial damage to the right-wing strut and rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

According to the pilot, he was doing a low pass through an abandoned powerline easement on a small lake peninsula, which included a small hill. He was flying directly into the wind and as the airplane approached the hill, the wind direction changed as a result of the terrain, and the airplane encountered mechanical turbulence. The airplane wheels impacted the ground, the airplane bounced, and the pilot applied "heavy braking." Subsequently, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted, which resulted in substantial damage to the right-wing strut and rudder. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The winds reported at an airport 6 miles to the northwest of the accident location were variable from 270° to 330° at 7 knots.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in the collision with terrain.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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