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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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June 8, 1998 · Robert E Bean Wittman Tailwind W10 Wittman TA · N173RS

Daytona Beach, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 8, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Daytona Beach, FL
Aircraft
Robert E Bean Wittman Tailwind W10 Wittman TA
Tail Number
N173RS
Operator
Sarah L Bean
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA98LA180

The pilot stated that the approach to the runway, known to have turbulence during windy conditions as experienced, was normal. While on short final with 1/2 flaps extended, the airplane began an uncommanded descent, then touched down about 60 feet past the runway threshold. The main landing gear collapsed and the propeller contacted the runway. The pilot then applied power but damage to the propeller had occurred. The airplane then veered off the runway and came to rest upright. The pilot further stated that there was no engine or airframe failure or malfunction, and due to the known turbulence she should have planned to land farther down the runway.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's poorly planned approach for not planning the intended touchdown point farther down the runway to avoid an area of known turbulence caused by terrain. Contributing to the accident was the turbulence.

Full Narrative

On June 8, 1998, about 0806 eastern daylight time, a homebuilt Wittman Tailwind W10, N173RS, registered to a private individual, experienced collapse of the main landing gear and collision with bushes during landing at the Spruce Creek Airport, Daytona Beach, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private-rated pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight originated about 15 minutes earlier. The pilot stated that the airspeed on final approach was normal, and during short final with 1/2 flaps extended, the airplane descended rapidly and touched down collapsing the main landing gear and damaging the propeller. The airplane bounced and she applied power but the propeller had been damaged. Then, while airborne, the airplane collided with bushes off the left side of the runway. She further stated that there was no engine or airframe preimpact failure or malfunction and she had known about turbulence created by the wind and trees on the approach end of the runway. When responding in writing to how could this accident have been prevented she wrote, "extend landing point further down the runway-avoiding area known to have gust area." According to the airport manager who examined the airplane and runway, the first point of impact on the runway was noted to be about 60 feet past the threshold. The airplane came to rest at a point about 150 feet past the runway threshold as measured down the runway centerline.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:06 EDT
Nearest AirportSpruce Creek (0nm)
Runway5
Runway Length3200 ft
Runway Width180 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobert E Bean Wittman Tailwind W10 Wittman TA
Tail NumberN173RS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSarah L Bean
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D2A · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 53 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 8000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time11:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data