CircumFlightN330JC Cessna 150 accident
NTSB ATL99LA022 · 1998-11-06 · WINNSBORO, SC
Docket — crew, injuries and powerplant
Summary
The student pilot reported that the supervised solo flight departed and proceeded to the local training area. After approximately 40 minutes of flight the student pilot returned to the airport where he started a series of touch and go landing. According to the student pilot, on the second touch and go landing he reportedly observed several dogs near the active runway. Believing that he would hit the dogs on the runway, the student applied engine power, and pulled back quickly on the flight controls. The airplane settled on the runway and bounced. According to the Fixed Base Operator, the airplane porpoise on the accident landing and the nose wheel collided with the ground. The FBO commented that the pilot made a 'bad landing.' The FBO stated that two other pilots also observed the landing and made similar comments concerning the landing. They also reported that there were no dogs observed on or near the runway when the accident occurred. During the subsequent examination of the airplane, major structural damage was discovered to the nose wheel assembly. The student pilot did not report a mechanical problem with the airplane.
Full narrative
On November 6, 1998, at 1645 eastern standard time, a Cessna 150L, N330JC, operated by a private individual, collided with the ground, according to the operator, at the Fairfield County Airport, in Winnsboro, South Carolina. The instructional flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. A review of weather data from the nearest weather reporting facility disclosed that visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial structural damage. The student pilot was not injured. The flight initially departed Winnsboro, South Carolina, at 1600.
The student pilot reported that the supervised solo flight departed and proceeded to the local training area. After approximately 40 minutes of flight the student pilot returned to the airport where he started a series of touch and go landings. According to the student pilot, on the second touch and go approach he reportedly observed several dogs near the active runway. Believing that he would hit the dogs on the runway, the student applied engine power a pulled back quickly on the flight controls. The airplane settled on the runway and bounced. The pilot continued the climb attitude and established a left-hand traffic for another landing.
According to the Fixed Base Operator, the airplane porpoise on the accident landing and the nose wheel collided with the ground. The FBO commented that the pilot made a "bad landing." The FBO stated that two other pilots also observed the landing and made similar comments concerning the landing. They also reported that there were no dogs observed on or near the runway when the accident occurred.
During the subsequent examination of the airplane, major structural damage was discovered to the nose wheel assembly. The student pilot did not report a mechanical problem with the airplane.
Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flare that resulted in overload damage to the nose wheel assembly. The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident.
Circumstances
- Event type
- Accident
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather conditions
- Visual Meteorological Cond
- Light condition
- Day
- Sky condition
- UNK
- Ceiling (ft)
- 0
- Visibility (sm)
- 10
- Wind direction
- 330
- Wind speed (kt)
- 5
- Temperature (F)
- 54
- Nearest airport
- FAIRFIELD COUNTY AIRPORT
- Distance from field
- 0.0
- Airport elevation
- 577
Aircraft
| Registration | Make | Model | Damage | FAR part |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N330JC | Cessna | 150 | SUBS | 091 |
Sequence of events
| # | Occurrence | Phase |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 200 | Cruise |
Findings
| Finding | |
|---|---|
| 10406 | |
| 24535 | cause |