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March 1, 2017 · Smith Douglas J Sonex Ltd · N801SX

Mercey Hot Springs, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 1, 2017
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Mercey Hot Springs, CA
Aircraft
Smith Douglas J Sonex Ltd (2008)
Tail Number
N801SX
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA171

The sport pilot reported that he was landing on an airfield and overflew the runway multiple times searching for a wind sock. He watched another airplane land to the south, and he made his approach to the south also. He reported that his altitude was too high during his first approach, so he aborted the landing. He asserted that, "This should have alerted me that there was a tailwind." He flew one traffic pattern and made a second approach with the power at idle and full flaps. He established his approach, but the airplane sank quickly and touched down short of the runway and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the canopy, the vertical stabilizer, and the rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. According to the Airport Facility Directory, the airfield was equipped with a wind indicator. However, no wind indicator could be located on or near the airfield by the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge.

NTSB Probable Cause

The sport pilot’s unstabilized approach with a tailwind, which resulted in touchdown short of the runway and a subsequent nose-over.

Full Narrative

The sport pilot reported that he was landing to an airfield and over flew the runway multiple times in search of a wind sock. He watched another airplane land to the south and he made his approach to the south also. He reported that his altitude was too high during his first approach and aborted the landing. He asserted that, "This should have alerted me that there was a tail wind." He flew one traffic pattern and made a second approach with the power at idle and full flaps. He established his approach but the airplane sank quickly and touched down short of the runway and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the canopy, the vertical stabilizer and the rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. According to the Airport Facility Directory, the airfield is equipped with a wind indicator. However, no wind indicator could be located on or near the airfield by the NTSB investigator-in-charge.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 PST
Nearest AirportMercey Hot Springs (0nm SSE)
Runway15
Runway Length2082 ft
Runway Width30 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSmith Douglas J Sonex Ltd
Tail NumberN801SX
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsJabiru · 3300A · Reciprocating
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 78 · Sprt · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 41 C
Altimeter30.40 inHg
Observation Time19:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data