Summary
On October 21, 2000, a Craig R. Merrill LUTON BETA (N545CM) was involved in an accident near Ridgeland, SC. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed on final approach resulting in the aircraft settling fast, touching down hard, and colliding with an embankment on the side of the runway, where it came to rest inverted.
On October 21, 2000, about 1050 eastern daylight time, a Craig R. Merrill Luton Beta, N545CM, registered to an individual, crashed during landing at Ridgeland Airport, Ridgeland, South Carolina, while on a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft received substantial damage and the private-rated pilot received minor injuries. The flight originated from Ridgeland, South Carolina, the same day, about 1040.
The pilot stated that after a short local flight, he returned to the airport and entered the pattern for a landing on runway 3. On final approach he set the attitude for landing and the aircraft settled quicker and faster than he anticipated.
This accident is documented in NTSB report MIA01LA014. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N545CM.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed on final approach resulting in the aircraft settling fast, touching down hard, and colliding with an embankment on the side of the runway, where it came to rest inverted.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On October 21, 2000, about 1050 eastern daylight time, a Craig R. Merrill Luton Beta, N545CM, registered to an individual, crashed during landing at Ridgeland Airport, Ridgeland, South Carolina, while on a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft received substantial damage and the private-rated pilot received minor injuries. The flight originated from Ridgeland, South Carolina, the same day, about 1040.
The pilot stated that after a short local flight, he returned to the airport and entered the pattern for a landing on runway 3. On final approach he set the attitude for landing and the aircraft settled quicker and faster than he anticipated. When the aircraft touched down, it bounced and went to the right. He attempted to apply engine power but it was too late. The aircraft went down the embankment on the right side of the runway and crashed, coming to rest inverted.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA01LA014