N11576

On August 31, 2003, at 0850 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 170, N11576, was substantially damaged during landing at Back Acres Airport (ME46), Kennebunkport, Maine. The certificated commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the flight that originated at Biddeford Municipal Airport (B19), Biddeford, Maine, about 0830. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

The pilot was interviewed by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector. According to the pilot, he had never flown into Back Acres Airport, and visited the airport the day before the accident. He walked the runway and noted the obstacles located at both ends. The following morning, the pilot flew to the airport, and noted the 4-6 knot wind favored runway 20. During landing, the airplane touched down about half way down the runway. When the pilot realized that he would not be able to stop before reaching the end of the runway, he made a hard left turn. During the turn, the right main landing gear broke.

An FAA inspector performed an examination of the airplane. The examination revealed that the right main landing gear had folded under the airplane and buckled the floorboard. The right wing tip was slightly damaged, and the wing was pushed up a few inches at the wing root. Runway 2/20 was a 1,000-foot-long and 200-foot-wide turf runway, with 35-foot trees located at both ends. According to the FAA inspector, there were also 25-foot power lines located at the end of runway 20.

The pilot reported a total of 2,000 hours; 450 hours in tail wheel aircraft, of which 40 hours were in make and model. The pilot also reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane or engine.

Weather at Sanford Regional Airport (SFM), Sanford, Maine, about 13 nautical miles east, at 0855, included calm winds, visibility 10 statute miles, clear skies, temperature 61 degrees F, dewpoint 46 degrees F, and a barometric pressure setting of 30.34 inches HG.