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NTSB Report
November 20, 1989 · Helio H-391B · N8750R
Plainwell, MI
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 20, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Plainwell, MI
Aircraft
Helio H-391B
Tail Number
N8750R
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI90LA031
THE PILOT STATED THAT DURING TOUCHDOWN, HE LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AND IT SWERVED OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY. THE AIRCRAFT'S LEFT MAIN LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED WHEN IT RAN THROUGH SOFT TERRAIN IN A DITCH. THE AIRCRAFT CAME TO A STOP ABOUT 200 FEET FROM THE EDGE OF THE RUNWAY. A POST-ACCIDENT EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT REVEALED THAT THE CROSS-WIND LANDING GEAR LOCK SYSTEM WAS IMPROPERLY RIGGED. THE LEFT MAIN LANDING GEAR LOCK PIN FAILED TO ENGAGE AND THE LEFT MAIN GEAR WAS FREE TO 'CASTER' DURING TOUCHDOWN AND ON THE LANDING ROLL, WHILE THE RIGHT MAIN GEAR REMAINED LOCKED. THE PILOT HAD RECENTLY PURCHASED THE AIRCRAFT. HE STATED THAT HE SHOULD HAVE PERFORMED A MORE THOROUGH PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTION. HE HAD 175 HOURS TOTAL FLIGHT TIME, WITH 17 HOURS IN THIS MAKE AND MODEL OF AIRCRAFT. HE HAD RECEIVED SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION IN THE AIRCRAFT, BECAUSE OF ITS UNCOMMON DESIGN AND CHARACTERISTICS.
NTSB Probable Cause
FAILURE OF THE CROSSWIND LANDING GEAR SYSTEM TO ENGAGE ON THE LEFT MAIN GEAR DUE TO IMPROPER RIGGING ADJUSTMENT BY MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: UNFAVORABLE WIND CONDITIONS (GUSTS AND QUARTERING CROSSWIND) AND SOFT TERRAIN IN THE DITCH.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT STATED THAT DURING TOUCHDOWN, HE LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AND IT SWERVED OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY. THE AIRCRAFT'S LEFT MAIN LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED WHEN IT RAN THROUGH SOFT TERRAIN IN A DITCH. THE AIRCRAFT CAME TO A STOP ABOUT 200 FEET FROM THE EDGE OF THE RUNWAY. A POST-ACCIDENT EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT REVEALED THAT THE CROSS-WIND LANDING GEAR LOCK SYSTEM WAS IMPROPERLY RIGGED. THE LEFT MAIN LANDING GEAR LOCK PIN FAILED TO ENGAGE AND THE LEFT MAIN GEAR WAS FREE TO 'CASTER' DURING TOUCHDOWN AND ON THE LANDING ROLL, WHILE THE RIGHT MAIN GEAR REMAINED LOCKED. THE PILOT HAD RECENTLY PURCHASED THE AIRCRAFT. HE STATED THAT HE SHOULD HAVE PERFORMED A MORE THOROUGH PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTION. HE HAD 175 HOURS TOTAL FLIGHT TIME, WITH 17 HOURS IN THIS MAKE AND MODEL OF AIRCRAFT. HE HAD RECEIVED SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION IN THE AIRCRAFT, BECAUSE OF ITS UNCOMMON DESIGN AND CHARACTERISTICS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:00 EST
Nearest AirportOtsego-Plainwell Muni (0nm N)
Runway27
Runway Length2650 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftHelio H-391B
Tail NumberN8750R
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · GO-435-C2B · Reciprocating · 260
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 40 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 20 kt, gusting 35 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 30 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time18:45
Weather SourceWFAC