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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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July 20, 2018 · Vans RV6 Undesignat · N306FR

Coldwater, KS

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 20, 2018
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Coldwater, KS
Aircraft
Vans RV6 Undesignat (2002)
Tail Number
N306FR
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN18LA286

The pilot was attempting a wheel landing in the tailwheel-equipped airplane after a cross-country flight. He reported that winds were gusty during the long, straight-in approach and that he increased airspeed to compensate for the gusts. During the approach to landing, the airplane encountered turbulent air, and a gust of wind caused the airplane to balloon about 8-12 ft above the runway. The pilot initiated a go-around and said he added full power when the engine hesitated and "stuttered." The airplane settled, the right wing struck the ground, and the airplane spun before it came to rest. A postimpact fire ensued, which consumed most of the cockpit and fuselage. Thermal damage precluded a thorough engine examination.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's loss of control while landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane in gusting wind conditions.

Full Narrative

On July 20, 2018, about 1310 central daylight time, a Vans RV-6 airplane, N306FR, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Coldwater, Kansas. The pilot and passenger were seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flightThe pilot reported to responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors, the flight was landing at Commanche County Airport (3K8), Coldwater, Kansas after departing from Austin, Texas. The pilot joined a long, straight in final for runway 17. The pilot added that he did not know the exact winds, but knew that they were gusty, and as such increased his approach airspeed. He flew between 90-93 knots, with the airplane configured with partial flaps. As he attempted a wheel landing in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, there were some turbulent air due to wind, then a gust of wind hit the airplane and it ballooned about 8-12 ft above the runway. The pilot said he initiated a go-around and added full power when the engine hesitated and "stuttered". The pilot stated the engine did not have any abnormalities prior to the go-around. The airplane settled and the right wing struck the ground. The airplane spun, coming to rest facing southwest. Flames began to enter the cockpit and the pilot and passenger egressed the airplane. They were wearing shorts and flip-flops and received burns during the egress. The pilot was not able to turn off the master switch, so the electric fuel pump continued to move fuel increasing the postimpact fire. The fire consumed most of the cockpit and fuselage. The FAA inspectors visually inspected the airplane and found that level of thermal damage sustained to the engine precluded a thorough examination. All airplane logbooks were consumed in the fire, and further information is not available. The nearest aviation weather station was 37 nautical miles away. About the time of the accident, the wind was recorded as 120° at 8 knots, but later increased at the station to 9 knots gusting to 16 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:15 CDT
Nearest AirportComanche County (0nm SE)
Runway17
Runway Length4500 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftVans RV6 Undesignat
Tail NumberN306FR
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A1A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 8 kt
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.85 inHg
Observation Time17:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data