Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ERA13CA345

Limestone, TN, USA

Aircraft #1

N926JB

JIM BRADDOCK JUST AIRCRAFT HIGHLA

Analysis

The pilot was operating the experimental light-sport airplane from a private grass airstrip, and following a brief local flight, was returning for landing. The approach to the runway was “normal” and the prevailing wind was light and variable. During the landing flare, the airplane “settled hard” and bounced back into the air. The pilot responded by adding power and leveling the pitch attitude, but the airplane settled back onto the runway in a flat attitude. The nose landing gear collapsed on touchdown and the airplane then nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and wings. The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

The pilot was operating the experimental light-sport airplane from a private grass airstrip, and following a brief local flight, was returning for landing. The approach to the runway was “normal” and the prevailing winds were light and variable. During the landing flare, the airplane “settled hard” and bounced back into the air. The pilot responded by adding power and leveling the pitch attitude, but the airplane settled back onto the runway in a flat attitude. The nose landing gear collapsed on touchdown and the airplane then nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and wings. The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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