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NTSB Report

December 27, 2003 · Socata TB21 · N1879S

Spruce Pine, NC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 27, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (5 uninjured)
Location
Spruce Pine, NC
Aircraft
Socata TB21
Tail Number
N1879S
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL04LA059

The pilot stated he entered left traffic for runway 34, and he noticed a reduction in airspeed as the airplane crossed over a hill. He increased power and the airplane developed an excessive sink rate. The pilot added power; the airplane touched down on the runway, and bounced back into the air. The airplane touched down again and went off the left side of the runway, down an embankment, and the left wing collided with a tree. Witnesses located on the airport who observed the accident stated the winds were one to three knots. Another witness located adjacent to the airport stated the winds were calm. The pilot stated he did not encounter any mechanical problems.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate flare, and his failure to maintain directional control. The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing, and trees are a contributing factor.

Full Narrative

On December 27, 2003, at 1105 eastern standard time, a Socata TB21, N1879S, registered to and operated by Willis Aviation Resources LLC, as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, veered off the left side of the runway during an attempted landing, went down an embankment, and collided with a tree at Avery County/Morrison Field, Spruce Pine, North Carolina. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a visual rules flight plan was filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The private pilot and four passengers reported no injuries. The flight originated from Gallatin, Tennessee, on December 27, 2003, at 0845 central standard time. The pilot stated he entered left traffic for runway 34, and while on final approach to land he noticed a reduction in airspeed as the airplane crossed over a hill. He increased power and the airplane developed an excessive sink rate. When the pilot added more power to stop the sink rate, the airplane touched down on the runway, and bounced back into the air. The airplane touched down again and went off the left side of the runway, down an embankment, and the left wing collided with a tree. The pilot stated he did not encounter any mechanical problems with the airplane. Witnesses who observed the accident stated the winds were one to three knots. Another witness stated the winds were calm. The Hickory Regional Airport located 31 miles southeast of the airport winds was calm with no reported wind shear.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:05 EST
Nearest AirportAvery County Airport (0nm N)
Runway34
Runway Length3000 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSocata TB21
Tail NumberN1879S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsAvco Lycoming · TIO-540-AB1AD · Reciprocating · 250
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (5 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured5
Total5
Crew 1Age 46 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 46
Altimeter30.28 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data