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April 17, 2013 · Poole Robert C Jr Van'S RV-9A · N439RP

Salisbury, NC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 17, 2013
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Salisbury, NC
Aircraft
Poole Robert C Jr Van'S RV-9A
Tail Number
N439RP
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA13CA206

According to the pilot, the airplane had about 9 total flight hours. He performed a touch-and-go landing, and during the departure, the flaps would not retract. During the next attempt to land, the airplane was not positioned properly, so the pilot performed a go-around. On the following attempt to land, the pilot began a straight-in approach about 3 miles from the runway. On touchdown, the airplane's nose impacted the runway and the nose gear collapsed. As the airplane slowed, the pilot intentionally veered the airplane into the grass next to the runway to avoid remaining on, and thus closing, the runway. The nose gear dug into the soft terrain, and the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted, which resulted in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder. Examination of the flap system revealed a blown fuse; no other preimpact malfunction or abnormality was found that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing, and his subsequent decision to exit the paved runway onto the soft terrain.

Full Narrative

According to the pilot, the airplane had about 9 total flight hours. He performed a touch-and-go landing and during departure the flaps would not retract. During the first attempt to land, the airplane was not in a position to land and a go-around was conducted. On the second attempt to land he began a straight-in approach about 3 miles from the runway since the flaps would not retract. On touchdown, the airplane's nose impacted the runway and the nose gear collapsed. As the airplane slowed, the pilot elected to exit the side of the paved surface into the grass, in order to avoid closing the runway. Subsequently, the nose gear dug into the soft terrain, the airplane nosed over, and came to rest inverted, which resulted in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder. Examination of the flap system revealed a blown fuse, no other preimpact malfunction or abnormality was found that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:45 EDT
Nearest AirportRowan County Airport (0nm)
Runway20
Runway Length5501 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPoole Robert C Jr Van'S RV-9A
Tail NumberN439RP
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsEci · OX-320 · Reciprocating · 167
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 69 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDawn
Wind270° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 11000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter30.20 inHg
Observation Time15:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data