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NTSB Report

April 8, 2014 · Cessna 205A · N4862U

Leesburg, VA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 8, 2014
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Leesburg, VA
Aircraft
Cessna 205A (1964)
Tail Number
N4862U
Operator
Robert Bailey Jr
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA14CA185

According to the pilot's origination airport, which was 21 nautical miles from the destination airport, there was a 6 knot wind when he departed. The pilot flew west and encountered turbulence after clearing the Washington D.C. Special Flight Rules Area. Twenty five minutes into the flight, the pilot discovered that his destination airport, which was several miles away, was not reporting wind. Expecting wind similar to what he experienced at his originating airport, the pilot proceeded to the destination airport and entered the traffic pattern on the downwind leg. In order to maintain his course he entered a crab angle. The pilot turned to the base leg of the traffic pattern and then established himself on final approach where he observed about a 12 knot wind indication from the windsock. He maneuvered the airplane into a left wing low attitude with full right rudder in order to line up with the centerline of runway 35. Once over the runway, the pilot flared the airplane nose; however, a strong wind gust pushed it to the right. He applied full power to initiate a go around maneuver, but the wind continued to carry the airplane to the right. The left main landing gear touched down in "soggy" grass terrain and the nose landing gear subsequently impacted the ground. The airplane then nosed over and came to rest inverted. Postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed substantial damage to the engine firewall, fuselage, and left wing. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the wind at Washington-Dulles International Airport was reported from 300 at 19 knots gusting to 32 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions during landing, resulting in a runway excursion and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate evaluation of the wind conditions.

Full Narrative

According to the pilot's origination airport, which was 21 nautical miles from the destination airport, there was a 6 knot wind when he departed. The pilot flew west and encountered turbulence after clearing the Washington D.C. Special Flight Rules Area. Twenty five minutes into the flight, the pilot discovered that his destination airport, which was several miles away, was not reporting wind. Expecting wind similar to what he experienced at his originating airport, the pilot proceeded to the destination airport and entered the traffic pattern on the downwind leg. In order to maintain his course he entered a crab angle. The pilot turned to the base leg of the traffic pattern and then established himself on final approach where he observed about a 12 knot wind indication from the windsock. He maneuvered the airplane into a left wing low attitude with full right rudder in order to line up with the centerline of runway 35. Once over the runway, the pilot flared the airplane nose; however, a strong wind gust pushed it to the right. He applied full power to initiate a go around maneuver, but the wind continued to carry the airplane to the right. The left main landing gear touched down in "soggy" grass terrain and the nose landing gear subsequently impacted the ground. The airplane then nosed over and came to rest inverted. Postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed substantial damage to the engine firewall, fuselage, and left wing. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the wind at Washington-Dulles International Airport was reported from 300 at 19 knots gusting to 32 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 EDT
Nearest AirportLeesburg Executive (0nm N)
Runway35
Runway Length5499 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 205A
Tail NumberN4862U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRobert Bailey Jr
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · IO-470-S · Reciprocating · 260
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 52 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 19 kt, gusting 32 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 12000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 39 C
Altimeter29.55 inHg
Observation Time15:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data