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May 3, 2018 · Berger Bernard M Pulsar Series III NO Series · N914BB

Palmyra, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 3, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Palmyra, PA
Aircraft
Berger Bernard M Pulsar Series III NO Series (2002)
Tail Number
N914BB
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA258

The pilot reported that, during the preflight inspection, he observed no discrepancies and noted that the oil level was "inside the lower bound of normal oil capacity." He reported that en route, the oil pressure "was in the 30s [pounds per square inch] and trending downward" but still within the normal engine oil pressure limits. He decided to divert to a nearby airport as a precaution. The pilot reported that, while maneuvering to the alternate airport, the engine instruments appeared normal. However, during left base for the runway, he observed "a few seconds of white smoke" coming from the engine over the left wing. He reduced power, added flaps, and noticed that the airplane's approach speed was too fast. He decided he would not attempt a go-around due to the smoke and shut the engine off "thinking of the possibility of an engine fire." Subsequently, the airplane bounced during the initial touchdown and landed near the runway's halfway point. The pilot applied brakes, but the airplane overran the runway into a dirt field, and the nose landing gear collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain an appropriate approach speed, which resulted in a bounced landing and a runway overrun.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that, during the preflight, he observed no discrepancies and noted that the oil level was "inside the lower bound of normal oil capacity". He reported that en route, the oil pressure "was in the 30's (psi) and trending downward", but still within the normal engine oil pressure limits. He decided to divert to a nearby airport as a precaution. The pilot reported that, while maneuvering to the alternate airport, the engine instruments appeared normal. However, during left base for the runway, he observed "a few seconds of white smoke" coming from the engine over the left wing. He reduced power, added flaps, and noticed that his approach speed was too fast. He decided he would not attempt a go around due to the smoke and shut the engine off "thinking of the possibility of an engine fire". Subsequently, the airplane bounced during the initial touch down, and landed near the halfway point of the runway. The pilot applied brakes, but the airplane overran the runway into a dirt field, and the nose landing gear collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:56 EDT
Nearest AirportReigle Field (0nm WNW)
Runway31
Runway Length1955 ft
Runway Width40 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBerger Bernard M Pulsar Series III NO Series
Tail NumberN914BB
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 914UL · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 49 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 13 kt, gusting 20 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter29.93 inHg
Observation Time19:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data