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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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August 16, 2001 · Wsk Pzl Mielec M-18 Dromader · N52768

Ukiah, OR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 16, 2001
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Ukiah, OR
Aircraft
Wsk Pzl Mielec M-18 Dromader
Tail Number
N52768
Operator
Usda Forest Service
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA01TA152

The pilot reported that the flare for landing was a little high, and after the aircraft touched down, it bounced then settled to the runway. After touch down, the aircraft veered to the left and the pilot corrected with right rudder and brake application. The aircraft continued to the left toward a hill and rough terrain so he added power, and back pressure on the flight control. When the aircraft lifted off, it started to roll. The pilot reduced power and the right wing contacted the runway surface. The aircraft touched down on the main landing gear and again bounced and started to drift to the right toward a barn. To avoid a collision with the barn, the pilot again added power and started a left turn. At this time the left wing collided with a fence. The aircraft descended to the ground in a nose down attitude. After ground contact, the aircraft spun around twice before coming to rest. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the aircraft at the time.

NTSB Probable Cause

An inadequate recovery from a bounced landing and directional control was not maintained during landing. A high flare and a fence were factors.

Full Narrative

On August 16, 2001, approximately 1125 Pacific daylight time, a WSK PZL Mielec M-18 Dromader, N52768, registered to Western Pilot Service, and operated by the USDA Forest Service, as a local public use firefighting operation, collided with a fence during landing at a private airstrip located about four miles southeast of Ukiah, Oregon. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and company visual flight rules flight- following was in effect. The aircraft was substantially damaged and the commercial pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries. In a written statement, the pilot reported that he had completed the retardant drop at the fire site and was returning to the airstrip for another load. The landing was made to the south. The pilot reported that the flare was a little high and after the aircraft touched down, it bounced, then settled to the runway. After touchdown, the aircraft veered to the left and the pilot corrected with right rudder and brake application. The pilot stated that the aircraft continued to the left toward a hill and rough terrain so he added power, and back pressure on the flight control. When the aircraft lifted off it started to roll. The pilot reduced power and the right wing contacted the runway. The aircraft touched down on the main landing gear and again bounced and started to drift to the right toward a barn. To avoid a collision with the barn, the pilot again added power and started a left turn. At this time the left wing collided with a steel gate and fence. The aircraft then descended to the ground in a nose down attitude. After ground contact, the aircraft spun around twice before coming to rest. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the aircraft at the time of the accident. The black top runway is 5,000 feet in length and 100 feet wide with a rise in the center. The pilot reported that the wind was variable at about 5 mph at the time.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:25 PDT
Nearest AirportCable Creek Ranch (0nm)
Runway Length5000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWsk Pzl Mielec M-18 Dromader
Tail NumberN52768
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorUsda Forest Service
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPezetel · ASZ-621R · Reciprocating · 967
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 67 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data