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NTSB Report

August 22, 2004 · Wahl S-51D · N151BW

Louisville, KY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 22, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Louisville, KY
Aircraft
Wahl S-51D
Tail Number
N151BW
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC04CA196

After landing on runway 24, the airplane began to veer to the right. The pilot applied left rudder to compensate, and as the airplane began to move, the right wingtip scraped the runway. After realigning the airplane on the centerline of the runway, the pilot released left rudder input and the left main landing gear collapsed. As the airplane veered to the left, the pilot applied right rudder, and the right main landing gear collapsed. The airplane then slid to a stop on the remaining runway. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed substantial damage to the left wing spar, and no pre-impact mechanical deficiencies were observed. Additionally, the pilot had recently purchased the airplane and the accident occurred during his first hour, and fifth landing in it.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control on the runway during landing.

Full Narrative

On August 22, 2004, at 1350 eastern daylight time, an amateur built S-51D, N151BW, was substantially damaged during landing at the Bowman Field Airport (LOU), Louisville, Kentucky. The certificated airline transport pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the flight which originated at the Clark County Airport (JVY), Jeffersonville, Indiana. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, shortly after touchdown on runway 24, he placed the propeller into the Beta range and the airplane began to veer to the right. He then applied left rudder to compensate, and as the airplane began to move, the right wingtip scraped the runway. After realigning the airplane on the centerline of the runway, the pilot released left rudder input and the left main landing gear collapsed. As the airplane veered to the left, the pilot applied right rudder, and the right main landing gear collapsed. The airplane then slid to a stop on the remaining runway. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector after the accident revealed that the left wing spar was buckled. No pre-impact mechanical deficiencies were noted with the airplane. Additionally, according to the FAA inspector, the pilot had recently purchased the airplane, and the accident occurred during his first hour, and fifth landing in it. The winds reported at LOU, at 1353, were from 110 at 7 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:50 CDT
Nearest AirportBowman Field Airport (0nm)
Runway24
Runway Length4326 ft
Runway Width80 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWahl S-51D
Tail NumberN151BW
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsWalter · M601D · Turboprop · 724
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 48 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind110° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter30.03 inHg
Observation Time17:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data