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NTSB Report

July 5, 2017 · Cessna A188B B · N4207J

Kankakee, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 5, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Kankakee, IL
Aircraft
Cessna A188B B (1980)
Tail Number
N4207J
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA461

The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he made a three-point landing on runway 4, but the airspeed was high, and the airplane bounced. The airplane then descended and landed on the main landing gear. As the airspeed decreased and the tailwheel settled to the runway, the pilot felt that he did not have rudder authority, and he mistakenly attempted to apply the heel brakes. The accident airplane was equipped with toe brakes. The pilot's other airplane had heel brakes, and he recalled that the heel brake application was instinctive. The pilot reported that there was a crosswind, that the airplane began pulling to the right, and that he eventually applied the toe brakes, but the airplane ground looped to the right. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer. The METAR reported that the wind was from 130° at 7 knots and that the sky was clear with 10 statute miles of visibility. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing, and his subsequent incorrect brake application, which led to the loss of directional control.

Full Narrative

The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he made a three-point landing on runway 4, but the airspeed was high, and the airplane bounced. The airplane then descended and landed on the main landing gear. As the airspeed decreased, and the tail wheel settled to the runway, the pilot felt that he did not have rudder authority and he mistakenly attempted to apply the heel brakes. The accident airplane was equipped with toe brakes. The pilot's other airplane has heel brakes and he recalled that the heel brake application was instinctive. The pilot reported that there was a crosswind, the airplane began pulling to the right, and he eventually applied the toe brakes, but the airplane ground-looped to the right. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer. The METAR reported that the wind was from 130° at 7 knots and the skies were clear with 10 statute miles of visibility. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 CDT
Nearest AirportGreater Kankakee (0nm W)
Runway04
Runway Length5981 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna A188B B
Tail NumberN4207J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO520D187B · Reciprocating · 300
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 36 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind130° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time15:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data