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March 3, 2007 · Hirsch Thorp T-18 · N78DH

San Diego, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 3, 2007
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
San Diego, CA
Aircraft
Hirsch Thorp T-18
Tail Number
N78DH
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX07CA100

The conventional gear airplane bounced two times after touchdown and nosed over. On the first bounce, the pilot added a small amount of power to allow the airplane to settle back onto the runway. However, the airplane bounced again, and he added full power in an attempt to go around and pushed forward on the control stick. The propeller then contacted the runway and the airplane nosed over. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper bounced landing recovery and improper use of the flight controls that resulted in a porpoise and a nose over.

Full Narrative

On March 3, 2007, about 1100 Pacific standard time, an amateur built experimental Hirsch Thorp T-18, N78DH, nosed over during landing at Brown Field Municipal Airport (SDM), San Diego, California. The owner/pilot was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot and one passenger received minor injuries; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The local personal flight departed SDM about 1000. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The approximate global positioning system (GPS) coordinates of the primary wreckage were 32 degrees 34 minutes north latitude and 116 degrees 58 minutes west longitude. The pilot operator stated in a written report that while landing on runway 8L the airplane bounced and became airborne. The pilot added a small amount of power and let the airplane settle back onto the runway. The airplane bounced again, and the pilot noticed that the airplane was close to the right edge of the runway. He applied full power and pushed forward on the control stick. The propeller struck the runway and the airplane nosed over. The pilot stated that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 PST
Nearest AirportBrown Field Muni (0nm)
Runway8L
Runway Length7972 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftHirsch Thorp T-18
Tail NumberN78DH
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D25 · Reciprocating · 170
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 61 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind60° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 25 C
Altimeter30.20 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data