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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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September 23, 2015 · Cessna 195 Undesignat · N3484V

Merritt Island, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 23, 2015
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Merritt Island, FL
Aircraft
Cessna 195 Undesignat (1948)
Tail Number
N3484V
Operator
Eric H Cappel
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA15CA289

According to the pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane, he performed a wheel landing on the asphalt runway. The pilot stated that he landed at a speed of 70 miles per hour, and that he allowed the tailwheel to touch down on the runway at approximately 45 miles per hour. He stated that when the tailwheel touched down, the airplane rapidly veered to the left and he attempted to correct the left movement by applying right rudder as well as the brakes. Excessive braking resulted in a nose over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, wings and empennage. Photographs provided by the FAA showed the airplane veering about 30 degrees toward the left edge of the runway. The left tire mark showed in excess of 30 feet of full tread width, dark black, rubber skid, while the right tire mark showed continual skidding of the inside (right) edge and intermittent full tread width skids. About 30 feet from where the airplane came to rest inverted, the left skid mark lightened up showing continual tread edge skidding and intermittent full tread width skids, and the airplane had turned to the right paralleling to the runway edge. No tailwheel marks were visible in the photographs. The airplane came to rest inverted about 75 feet short of the B4 intersection.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Aircraft capability-Braking capability-Incorrect use/operation - C

Full Narrative

According to the pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane, he performed a wheel landing on the asphalt runway. The pilot stated that he landed at a speed of 70 miles per hour, and that he allowed the tailwheel to touch down on the runway at approximately 45 miles per hour. He stated that when the tailwheel touched down, the airplane rapidly veered to the left and he attempted to correct the left movement by applying right rudder as well as the brakes. Excessive braking resulted in a nose over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, wings and empennage. Photographs provided by the FAA showed the airplane veering about 30 degrees toward the left edge of the runway. The left tire mark showed in excess of 30 feet of full tread width, dark black, rubber skid, while the right tire mark showed continual skidding of the inside (right) edge and intermittent full tread width skids. About 30 feet from where the airplane came to rest inverted, the left skid mark lightened up showing continual tread edge skidding and intermittent full tread width skids, and the airplane had turned to the right paralleling to the runway edge. No tailwheel marks were visible in the photographs. The airplane came to rest inverted about 75 feet short of the B4 intersection.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 EDT
Nearest AirportMerritt Island (0nm NW)
Runway11
Runway Length3601 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 195 Undesignat
Tail NumberN3484V
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorEric H Cappel
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsJacobs · R755B2 · Reciprocating · 275
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 63 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.94 inHg
Observation Time16:58
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data