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May 22, 2020 · Cessna 182 A · N5179D

Ionia, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 22, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Ionia, MI
Aircraft
Cessna 182 A (1958)
Tail Number
N5179D
Operator
School of Missionary Aviation Technology
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN20CA193

The pilot was performing an instrument approach to the runway following a local flight. The airplane was configured with full flaps and the pilot's intention was to perform a three-point landing. The wind was reported as calm; however, the pilot reported seeing smoke that indicated there was a light crosswind from the right. After touching down on the runway the tailwheel began to "shimmy violently," and the airplane began to drift to the left. The pilot applied rudder to get the airplane to track "a straight path" and then turned right to correct back to the runway's centerline. To recorrect to the centerline, the pilot applied full left rudder. At that point, either the pilot's "left shoe caught on something and jammed the pedal, or the left rudder pedal [became] stuck in the full left rudder position." The pilot couldn't move the pedal to maintain directional control and the airplane ground looped causing substantial damage to the right aileron and the right elevator. A postaccident examination showed no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. Contributing was the pilot getting his shoe caught in the rudder pedal.

Full Narrative

The pilot was performing an instrument approach to the runway following a local flight. The airplane was configured with full flaps and the pilot's intention was to perform a three-point landing. The wind was reported as calm; however, the pilot reported seeing smoke that indicated there was a light crosswind from the right. After touching down on the runway the tailwheel began to "shimmy violently," and the airplane began to drift to the left. The pilot applied rudder to get the airplane to track "a straight path" and then turned right to correct back to the runway's centerline. To recorrect to the centerline, the pilot applied full left rudder. At that point, either the pilot's "left shoe caught on something and jammed the pedal, or the left rudder pedal [became] stuck in the full left rudder position." The pilot couldn't move the pedal to maintain directional control and the airplane ground looped causing substantial damage to the right aileron and the right elevator. A postaccident examination showed no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:18 EDT
Nearest AirportIonia County (0nm E)
Runway27
Runway Length4298 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 182 A
Tail NumberN5179D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSchool of Missionary Aviation Technology
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental Motors · O-470-L · Reciprocating · 230
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 58 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 20 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 57
Altimeter29.98 inHg
Observation Time23:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data