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NTSB Report

May 20, 2010 · Wildman RV6-A · N578RJ

Columbia, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 20, 2010
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Columbia, CA
Aircraft
Wildman RV6-A
Tail Number
N578RJ
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR10LA250

The pilot-rated passenger seated in the right seat reported that, just prior to landing, the pilot listened to the airport's automated weather observing system, which reported a 90-degree crosswind of 7 knots gusting to 14 knots. During the landing sequence, and just before touchdown, the airplane suddenly lost altitude and landed hard, striking the left wing and landing gear on the runway. Subsequently, the airplane bounced and veered to the left. The airplane bounced a second time before impacting and coming to rest against three unoccupied, parked airplanes. Postaccident examination verified flight control continuity throughout the rudder, elevator, right aileron, and left flap. The damage to the left aileron outboard hinge and right flap control arm were both consistent with impact damage.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Landing flare-Incorrect use/operation - C

Full Narrative

On May 20, 2010, at 1605 Pacific daylight time, an experimental Wildman RV6-A, N578RJ, collided with three parked airplanes while landing at the Columbia Airport, Columbia, California. The pilot operated the airplane under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. The private pilot seated in the left seat received serious injuries, and the commercial pilot/owner seated in the right seat was not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that departed from Gustine Airport, Gustine, California, about 1520. No flight plan had been filed. According to the pilot in the right seat, his wife was flying and in the left seat. They listened to the airport’s automated weather observing system (AWOS) prior to landing; and were compensating for the gusty 90-degree crosswind. Just before touchdown, the pilot reported that the airplane suddenly lost altitude and the left wing and landing gear impacted the ground. Subsequently, the airplane became “uncontrollable and bounced,” veering to the left. The airplane bounced a second time before impacting and coming to rest against three unoccupied, parked airplanes. Post accident examination of the airframe by a certificated airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanic revealed major damage to the right wing. Control continuity was established between all components and connecting hardware to the elevator and rudder. The aileron control system and all of its components, linkages, and hardware were operational, with the exception of the left aileron’s outboard hinge, which was sheered off of the bolt head and shank. The flap actuator was in the full down position. The left flap contained minor damage and was in the full down position. The right flap sustained major damage and the control arm was broken off of the torque tube. The AWOS located at the accident airport reported at the time of the accident, wind was from 250 degrees at 7 knots gusting to 14 knots; sky clear; visibility greater than 10 miles; temperature 20 degrees Celsius; and dew point 7 degrees Celsius.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:05 PDT
Nearest AirportColumbia Airport (0nm)
Runway17
Runway Length4670 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWildman RV6-A
Tail NumberN578RJ
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-EXP · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 57 · Third Class · Serious
Crew 2Age 75 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 7 kt, gusting 14 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 45 C
Altimeter30.05 inHg
Observation Time23:05
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data