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NTSB Report

November 30, 2013 · Cessna 150D · N4478U

Portland, ME

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 30, 2013
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Portland, ME
Aircraft
Cessna 150D (1964)
Tail Number
N4478U
Operator
Andrews Willard R
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA14CA065

The purpose of the flight was to fly to an airport located about 32 miles north-northeast of the departure airport. The automated terminal information service (ATIS) information "Zulu" in effect at the time of departure indicated in part that the wind was variable at 4 knots, and landing and departing runway was 11. Shortly after departure using runway 11, he elected to return. While on the downwind leg for runway 11, he was advised by the controller that runway 18 was available and was given the wind from 140 degrees at 8 knots. He agreed to runway 18, and was cleared to land on that runway. On final approach in the tailwheel equipped airplane, he maintained a left wing low attitude to compensate for the crosswind, 20 degrees of flaps extended, and 60 miles-per-hour. During the flare when the airplane was three feet above ground level, the left wing lifted abruptly and he applied left aileron but the airplane yawed to the left. The right wing contacted the runway, and the airplane bounced but was facing the opposite direction. He secured the airplane, did a walk around inspection, and then taxied to the ramp. He further stated there was no mechanical failure of malfunction. A surface weather observation at the accident airport at 1334, or about 4 minutes after the accident indicates the wind was from 070 degrees at 6 knots; no gusts were reported.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

The purpose of the flight was to fly to an airport located about 32 miles north-northeast of the departure airport. The automated terminal information service (ATIS) information "Zulu" in effect at the time of departure indicated in part that the wind was variable at 4 knots, and landing and departing runway was 11. Shortly after departure using runway 11, he elected to return. While on the downwind leg for runway 11, he was advised by the controller that runway 18 was available and was given the wind from 140 degrees at 8 knots. He agreed to runway 18, and was cleared to land on that runway. On final approach in the tailwheel equipped airplane, he maintained a left wing low attitude to compensate for the crosswind, 20 degrees of flaps extended, and 60 miles-per-hour. During the flare when the airplane was three feet above ground level, the left wing lifted abruptly and he applied left aileron but the airplane yawed to the left. The right wing contacted the runway, and the airplane bounced but was facing the opposite direction. He secured the airplane, did a walk around inspection, and then taxied to the ramp. He further stated there was no mechanical failure of malfunction.A surface weather observation at the accident airport at 1334, or about 4 minutes after the accident indicates the wind was from 070 degrees at 6 knots; no gusts were reported.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:19 EST
Nearest AirportPortland International Jetport (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length6100 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 150D
Tail NumberN4478U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAndrews Willard R
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental Motors, Inc. · 0-200-A · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 47 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point28 C / 12 C
Altimeter30.68 inHg
Observation Time18:34
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data