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October 28, 2004 · Scottish Aviation Bulldog 120/121 · N556WH

Jacksonville, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 28, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Jacksonville, FL
Aircraft
Scottish Aviation Bulldog 120/121
Tail Number
N556WH
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA05LA019

The pilot stated that before departure both fuel tanks were filled and after takeoff, the flight proceeded towards the destination airport though deviation to maintain visual flight rules was necessary. After flying over the Okefenokee Swamp which is located in the southeastern portion of Georgia, he reported losing several hundred feet of altitude while looking down to confirm a radio frequency, then looked up and observed trees. He applied aft elevator control input, added power to climb, then felt impact with several trees. He then climbed and flew in a southerly direction to avoid entering Jacksonville's airspace, and after verifying the airplane was controllable, he established contact with Jacksonville Approach Control and declared an emergency. The flight was vectored to the Jacksonville International Airport where after touchdown, the right main landing gear collapsed. Examination of the airplane revealed the leading edges of both wings exhibited semi-circular indentations. Additionally, the inboard drain for the left fuel tank was separated. The right wing fuel tank was drained and found to contain 2 quarts of fuel; the fuel selector was found positioned to the right tank position. The leading edge of the right main landing gear was noted to have impact damage; tree bark was noted in the damaged area of the gear.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance with trees resulting in the in-flight collision with a tree, damage to the right main landing gear, and subsequent collapse of the right main landing gear during the emergency landing.

Full Narrative

On October 28, 2004, about 1915 eastern daylight time, a Scottish Aviation Bulldog model 120/121, N556WH, registered to a private individual, collided with trees then experienced collapse of the right main landing gear during an emergency landing at the Jacksonville International Airport, Jacksonville, Florida. Weather conditions are unknown in the area of the tree contact location, and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight from Newnan Coweta County Airport, Newnan, Georgia, to Jacksonville Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, Florida. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private-rated pilot, and one passenger were not injured. The flight originated about 1645, from Newnan County Airport. The pilot stated that before departure both fuel tanks were filled and after takeoff, the flight proceeded towards the destination airport though deviation to maintain visual flight rules was necessary. After flying over the Okefenokee Swamp, which is located in the southeastern portion of Georgia, he reported losing several hundred feet of altitude while looking down to confirm a radio frequency, then looked up and observed trees. He applied aft elevator control input, added power to climb, then felt impact with several trees. He then climbed and flew in a southerly direction to avoid entering Jacksonville's airspace, and after verifying the airplane was controllable, he established contact with Jacksonville Approach Control and declared an emergency. The flight was vectored to the Jacksonville International Airport where after touchdown, the right main landing gear collapsed. Examination of the airplane revealed the leading edges of both wings exhibited semi-circular indentations. Additionally, the inboard drain for the left fuel tank was separated. The right wing fuel tank was drained and found to contain 2 quarts of fuel; the fuel selector was found positioned to the right tank position. The leading edge of the right main landing gear was noted to have impact damage; tree bark was noted in the damaged area of the gear.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:15 EDT
Nearest AirportJacksonville Intl (0nm)
Runway07
Runway Length10000 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftScottish Aviation Bulldog 120/121
Tail NumberN556WH
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-A1B6 · Reciprocating · 200
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 51 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind130° @ 7 kt
Visibility6 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 11000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point68 F
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data