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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

May 12, 1997 · Snow S2C · N1619S

Hondo, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 12, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Hondo, TX
Aircraft
Snow S2C
Tail Number
N1619S
Operator
Rusty S Flying Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW97LA186

According to the operator, the pilot lost directional control of the airplane after executing a wheel landing on the centerline of runway 17L. The airplane was observed exiting the right side of the runway, and remained in a right turn after exiting the runway. The left main landing gear collapsed within 30 feet after exiting the runway and the left wing and propeller struck the ground. The airplane came to rest on its left wing. The winds at the time of the accident were reported from the southeast at 3 knots. No pre-existing defects or anomalies were found on the landing gear or brake system of the airplane by the FAA inspector and the operator. Numerous attempts, albeit unsuccessful, were made by the investigator-in-charge to speak to the pilot and conduct a formal interview.

NTSB Probable Cause

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

Full Narrative

On May 12, 1997, at approximately 1200 central daylight time, a Snow S2C agricultural airplane, N1619S, was substantially damaged following a loss of control while landing near Hondo, Texas. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. The airplane, owned and operated by Rusty's Flying Service, of Hondo, Texas, was being operated under Title 14 CFR Part 137. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local aerial application flight for which a flight plan was not filed. The flight originated from the Hondo Municipal Airport, near Hondo, Texas, at approximately 1100. According to the operator, the pilot lost directional control of the airplane after executing a wheel landing on the centerline of runway 17L. The airplane was observed exiting the right side of the runway, and remained in a right turn after exiting the runway. The left main landing gear collapsed within 30 feet after exiting the runway and the left wing and propeller struck the ground. The airplane came to rest on its left wing. The winds at the time of the accident were reported from the southeast at 3 knots. Examination of the 1963 model airplane by the FAA inspector revealed that the airframe sustained structural damage. No pre-existing defects or anomalies were found on the landing gear or brake system of the airplane. Numerous attempts, albeit unsuccessful, were made by the investigator-in-charge to speak to the pilot and conduct a formal interview.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 CDT
Nearest AirportHondo Municipal Airport (0nm)
Runway17L
Runway Length6020 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSnow S2C
Tail NumberN1619S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRusty S Flying Service
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-985-14B · Reciprocating · 450
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 59 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind135° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 1500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 55
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT

Appendix: Source Data