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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

August 16, 2002 · Cessna 120 · N72594

Missoula, MT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 16, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Missoula, MT
Aircraft
Cessna 120
Tail Number
N72594
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA02LA158

The pilot reported that he was landing the aircraft in known high crosswind conditions. During the approach, the pilot stated that he had nearly full right aileron control and nearly full left rudder control applied to maintain runway alignment. The pilot stated, "I tried to do a 1 wheel, wheel landing. This is done by immediately applying forward pressure to the control column when the 1 wheel contacts the runway." When the pilot did this, the airplane bounced and continued to bounce for about 1,000 feet before he decided to abort the landing. When the pilot applied back pressure and power, he lost control of the airplane. The left wing contacted the ground and the airplane cart wheeled, substantially damaging both wings.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the wind conditions during the landing roll. Delayed remedial action and a high crosswind condition were factors.

Full Narrative

On August 16, 2002, approximately 1330 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 120, N72594, registered to and operated by the pilot as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, lost control of the aircraft during the landing roll and cart wheeled at Missoula International Airport, Missoula, Montana. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft was substantially damaged and the commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight originated from Butte, Montana, about one hour and 30 minutes prior to the accident. During a telephone interview and subsequent written statement, the pilot reported that he had just purchased this aircraft and was flying it from Butte to his home base in Moses Lake, Washington. A stop in Missoula was made for fueling. The pilot stated that he was landing on runway 29 with a known high cross-wind condition (30 to 35 knots and 45 degrees to the runway heading) as the tower controller was informing the pilot of the wind condition during his approach. The pilot reported that during the approach he had nearly full right aileron control and nearly full left rudder control applied to maintain runway alignment. The pilot stated, "I tried to do a 1 wheel, wheel landing. This is done by immediately applying forward pressure to the control column when the 1 wheel contacts the runway." When the pilot did this, the airplane bounced and continued to bounce for about 1,000 feet before he decided to abort the landing. When the pilot applied back pressure and power, he lost control of the airplane. The left wing contacted the ground and the airplane cart wheeled, substantially damaging both wings. The Missoula surface weather observation reported at 1335 indicated winds from 360 degrees at 16 knots, gusting to 23 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 MDT
Nearest AirportMissoula International (0nm)
Runway29
Runway Length9501 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 120
Tail NumberN72594
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-200 · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 53 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 16 kt, gusting 23 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 37 C
Altimeter30.03 inHg
Observation Time19:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data