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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

May 20, 2018 · Diamond Aircraft Ind DA 40 Undesignat · N143RD

Marlborough, MA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 20, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Marlborough, MA
Aircraft
Diamond Aircraft Ind DA 40 Undesignat (2006)
Tail Number
N143RD
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA288

The pilot reported that, during landing, the airplane touched down in the first third of the 1,659-ft-long runway, but the airplane did not seem to slow as normal with the brakes applied. He pumped the brakes, but the deceleration was "less than expected." He considered performing a go around but decided to use maximum braking instead. With maximum braking applied, the airplane veered off the runway to the right and impacted a fence. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He further reported that, following the accident, he inspected the runway and found solid skid marks from the right tire and broken skid marks from the left tire. The pilot reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was light and variable and predominately from 280°. The automated weather observation station located about 12 miles east of the accident airport reported that, about 19 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 220° at 12 knots. The airplane landed on runway 32. The calculated landing roll with full flaps was 930 ft, and the landing distance over a 50-ft obstacle was 2,020 ft. The manufacturer stated that "For a safe landing the landing distance available (LDA) should be at least equal to the landing distance of a 50 ft (15m) obstacle."

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s improper decision to land on a runway that was too short for a safe landing and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control in tailwind conditions.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that, during landing, the airplane touched down in the first third of the 1,659 ft long runway, but the airplane did not seem to slow as normal with the brakes applied. He pumped the brakes, but the deceleration was "less than expected". He considered performing a go around but decided to use maximum braking instead. With maximum brake applied, the airplane veered off the runway to the right and impacted a fence. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He further reported that, following the accident, he inspected the runway and found solid skid marks from the right tire and broken skid marks from the left tire. The pilot reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was light and variable, and predominately from 280°. The automated weather observation station located about 12 miles to the east of the accident airport reported that, about 19 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 220° at 12 knots. The airplane landed on runway 32. The calculated landing roll with full flaps was 930 ft and the landing distance over a 50 ft obstacle was 2,020 ft. The manufacturer states that: "For a safe landing the landing distance available (LDA) should be at least equal to the landing distance of a 50 ft (15m) obstacle."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:15 EDT
Nearest AirportMARLBORO (0nm WNW)
Runway32
Runway Length1659 ft
Runway Width45 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftDiamond Aircraft Ind DA 40 Undesignat
Tail NumberN143RD
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-M1A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 51 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 3400 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter29.82 inHg
Observation Time16:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data