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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

October 15, 2003 · William F Lair RV-6A · N710WL

Fort Myers, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 15, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Fort Myers, FL
Aircraft
William F Lair RV-6A
Tail Number
N710WL
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA04CA003

The pilot stated that while practicing touch-and-go landings, the second landing was "somewhat abrupt", which caused the airplane to rebound in the air. He said he did not get engine power applied in sufficient time to prevent another "abrupt" touchdown, which caused the nose landing gear strut to collapse. According to the pilot, prior to the accident there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions to the airplane or any of its systems.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot in command's improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a hard landing and damage to the airplane.

Full Narrative

On October 15, 2003, about 1500 eastern daylight time, a William F. Lair RV-6A, N710WL, registered to and operated by a private individual as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, made a hard landing at page Field, Fort Myers, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The commercial-rated pilot was not injured, and the airplane incurred substantial damage. The flight originated in Labelle, Florida, the same day, about 1440. The pilot stated that while practicing landings at Page Field he made the first touch-and-go landing, and then remained closed traffic with the intent to perform another landing. He said that the second landing was "somewhat abrupt", which caused the airplane to rebound in the air, and he did not get engine power applied in sufficient time to prevent another "abrupt" touchdown, which caused the nose landing gear strut to collapse, and the airplane incurred damage to the firewall and the left wing. The pilot also stated that prior to the accident there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions to the airplane or any of its systems.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 EDT
Nearest AirportPage Field (0nm)
Runway05
Runway Length6401 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWilliam F Lair RV-6A
Tail NumberN710WL
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D1A · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 75 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 8 kt
Visibility9 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter29.94 inHg
Observation Time18:34
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data