Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CEN10CA109

Toledo, OH, USA

Aircraft #1

N6186L

SKISTMAS GEORGE PIETNPOL AIRCAMPER

Analysis

The pilot reported that he was conducting takeoffs and landings in the traffic pattern at the time of the accident. He added that he had been dealing with "moderate turbulence from thermals and the shifting winds" during the flight. The pilot stated that the airplane drifted left of the runway centerline during the landing flare. He reported that, as the left main wheel touched down, a gust of wind from the right caused the airplane to depart the left side of the runway. He was "only able to maintain enough control to prevent a ground loop but not sufficient to avoid clipping the runway light with the horizontal stabilizer." A postaccident inspection revealed substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer and elevator. The pilot reported that there were no failures or malfunctions associated with the airplane prior to the accident.

Factual Information

The pilot reported that he was conducting takeoffs and landings in the traffic pattern at the time of the accident. He added that he had been dealing with "moderate turbulence from thermals and the shifting winds" during the flight. The pilot stated that the airplane drifted left of the runway centerline during the landing flare. As the left main wheel touched down, a gust of wind from the right caused the airplane to depart the left side of the runway. He was "only able to maintain enough control to prevent a ground loop but not sufficient to avoid clipping the runway light with the horizontal stabilizer." A post accident inspection revealed substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer and elevator. The pilot reported that there were no failures or malfunctions associated with the airplane prior to the accident.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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