Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary WPR09CA443

Helena, MT, USA

Aircraft #1

N119WW

CESSNA 305A

Analysis

During the landing flare, the pilot misjudged his height above the runway, resulting in a higher-than-normal flare and a harder-than-normal touchdown. Immediately after the airplane made contact with the runway, it began to veer from side to side, and the pilot was unable to maintain directional control. According to the pilot, there were no issues with the rudder or the tailwheel steering systems, but he did feel that the glare from bright sun that he was landing toward had contributed to his abnormal flare height.

Factual Information

During the landing flare, the pilot misjudged his height above the runway, resulting in a higher than normal flare, and a harder than normal touchdown. Immediately after the airplane made contact with the runway, it began to veer from side to side, and the pilot was unable to maintain directional control. According to the pilot, there were no issues with the rudder or the tail wheel steering systems, but he did feel that the glare from bright sun that he was landing toward had contributed to his abnormal flare height.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper landing flare and recovery from a bounced landing.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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