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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

March 2, 2005 · Cessna 305A · N54550

Bartow, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 2, 2005
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Bartow, FL
Aircraft
Cessna 305A
Tail Number
N54550
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA05CA068

The pilot stated this was his first flight in this specific airplane and after an orientation flight, they returned to the Bartow Municipal Airport to land. Upon making a three point landing, the airplane seemed normal, but it then began to swerve to the left. The pilot corrected with rudder, but passed through the center line of the runway. The airplane then began to bounce traveling perpendicular to the centerline. The right main wheel separated from the spring shank and at this point it dug into the runway spinning aircraft to the right. The plane settled down on its belly, right wing low. The pilot-rated passenger stated that the preflight, takeoff, taxi, flight, and landing approach were all normal, until touchdown, when the airplane ground-looped. During the landing roll an uncontrolled turn to the left commenced, then it tightened up, damaging the landing gear and causing the wing tip to drag, followed by the propeller striking the runway. The aircraft came to rest after spinning 270-degrees, and stopped at the edge of the runway. The pilots stated there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions to the airplane or any of its systems prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilots failure to maintain directional control resulting in the airplane ground-looping. A factor in the accident was the pilots lack of total experience in the airplane make and model.

Full Narrative

On March 2, 2005, about 1228 eastern standard time, a Cessna 305A, JV5, N212CF, registered to and operated by a private individual, as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, ground-looped during the landing roll at the Bartow Municipal Airport, Bartow, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The private-rated pilot and commercial-rated passenger did not receive any injuries, and the airplane incurred substantial damage. The local flight originated earlier that day, about 1150. The pilot stated this was his first flight in this specific airplane and after a orientation flight, they returned to the Bartow Municipal Airport to land. Upon making a three point landing, the airplane seemed normal, but it then began to swerve to the left. The pilot corrected with rudder, but passed through the center line of the runway. The airplane then began to bounce traveling perpendicular to the centerline. The right main wheel separated from the spring shank and at this point it dug into the runway spinning aircraft to the right. The plane settled down on its belly, right wing low. The airplane was secured before they exited it. The pilot-rated passenger stated that the preflight, takeoff, taxi, flight, and landing approach were all normal, until touchdown, when the airplane ground-looped. During the landing roll an uncontrolled turn to the left commenced, then it tightened up, damaging the landing gear and causing the wing tip to drag, followed by the propeller striking the runway. The aircraft came to rest after spinning 270-degrees, and stopped at the edge of the runway. The pilots stated there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions to the airplane or any of its systems prior to the accident. The FAA inspector that responded to the accident scene stated the owner of the airplane was to demonstrate the airplane by allowing the private-rated pilot to fly the airplane. Upon landing on runway 9R on all three wheels the private-rated pilot lost control and ground looped the airplane. The airplane sustained substantial damage.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:25 EST
Nearest AirportBartow Municipal Airport (0nm)
Runway09
Runway Length5001 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 305A
Tail NumberN54550
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-470 · Reciprocating · 213
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 64 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 71 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point12 C / 12 C
Altimeter30.01 inHg
Observation Time17:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data