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NTSB Report
April 9, 1987 · Cessna 205 · N8381Z
Midland, VA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 9, 1987
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Midland, VA
Aircraft
Cessna 205
Tail Number
N8381Z
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO87LA029
THE PLT STATED THAT THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME HE HAD EVER LANDED ON RWY 32. DURING THE LNDG APCH, ABOUT 15 SECS BEFORE TOUCHDOWN, HIS EYEGLASSES BROKE AND FELL OFF HIS FACE. HE REACHED FOR HIS SPARE EYEGLASSES THAT WERE ON TOP OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL; HOWEVER, DURING THIS EFFORT THE SPARE EYEGLASSES FELL ON THE FLOOR NEXT TO THE RIGHT-SEAT-RUDDER PEDALS. HE BECAME PREOCCUPIED WITH RETRIEVING THE EYEGLASSES AND AS A RESULT THE ACFT TOUCHED DOWN TO THE LEFT OF THE RWY CENTERLINE AT AN EXCESSIVE SPEED. AFTERWARDS THE ACFT FLOATED IN THE AIR AND DRIFTED LEFT. THE L WING HIT SMALL TREES THAT WERE 10 TO 15 FT LEFT OF THE RWY. THE PLT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND AS A RESULT THE ACFT WENT OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RWY. EXAMINATION OF THE ACCIDENT SITE REVEALED THE LANDING GEAR WAS ON THE RWY WHEN THE WING HIT THE TREES.
Full Narrative
THE PLT STATED THAT THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME HE HAD EVER LANDED ON RWY 32. DURING THE LNDG APCH, ABOUT 15 SECS BEFORE TOUCHDOWN, HIS EYEGLASSES BROKE AND FELL OFF HIS FACE. HE REACHED FOR HIS SPARE EYEGLASSES THAT WERE ON TOP OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL; HOWEVER, DURING THIS EFFORT THE SPARE EYEGLASSES FELL ON THE FLOOR NEXT TO THE RIGHT-SEAT-RUDDER PEDALS. HE BECAME PREOCCUPIED WITH RETRIEVING THE EYEGLASSES AND AS A RESULT THE ACFT TOUCHED DOWN TO THE LEFT OF THE RWY CENTERLINE AT AN EXCESSIVE SPEED. AFTERWARDS THE ACFT FLOATED IN THE AIR AND DRIFTED LEFT. THE L WING HIT SMALL TREES THAT WERE 10 TO 15 FT LEFT OF THE RWY. THE PLT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND AS A RESULT THE ACFT WENT OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RWY. EXAMINATION OF THE ACCIDENT SITE REVEALED THE LANDING GEAR WAS ON THE RWY WHEN THE WING HIT THE TREES.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:40 EDT
Nearest AirportWarrenton-Fauquick (0nm N)
Runway32
Runway Length4106 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 205
Tail NumberN8381Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-470S · Reciprocating · 260
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 70 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightBright Night
Wind320° @ 4 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 34 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time00:48
Weather SourceWFAC