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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

August 1, 1997 · Young RV-4 · N654Y

Sparta, WI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 1, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Sparta, WI
Aircraft
Young RV-4
Tail Number
N654Y
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI97LA246

The pilot reported that during landing, a gust of wind caught the airplane, and it bounced. He added power to smooth out the landing, but it bounced once again. He then added full power in an attempt to go-around, but he noticed the engine was vibrating from the propeller having struck the runway. He reduced the power to idle, and then the airplane descended and contacted the terrain off the right side of the runway.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and his improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in an improper flare and hard landing. The gusty wind was a related factor.

Full Narrative

On August 1, 1997, at 1320 central daylight time (cdt), a Young RV-4, N654Y, operated by a commercial pilot collided with the terrain while landing on runway 19 (4,295' x 100') at the Fort McCoy Airport, Sparta, Wisconsin. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The airplane was substantially damaged. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The flight originated from Yankton, South Dakota, at approximately 1100 cdt. The pilot reported he was intending to land at Sparta for fuel while en route to Oshkosh. He reported that he chose to make a wheel landing since the wind was greater than 10 knots and not directly down the runway. The pilot continued to report that upon landing, a gust of wind was encountered and the airplane bounced. He applied power, but the airplane bounced one more time. He reported he then added full power to perform a go- around but the engine was vibrating from the propeller having struck the runway. He reported, "I immediately went to idle power and attempted to lower the nose but suspect I stalled." The airplane descended and impacted the terrain off the right side of the runway.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:20 CDT
Nearest AirportSparta-Fort Mccoy (0nm)
Runway19
Runway Length4295 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftYoung RV-4
Tail NumberN654Y
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 50 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 8000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:22
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data