N10KS

On June 19, 2005, approximately 1400 eastern daylight time, a Globe Swift GC-1B airplane, N10KS, owned and operated by a private owner, collided with the runway during a landing at McMinn County Airport, in Athens, Tennessee. The personal flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The private pilot received minor injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight departed McMinn County Airport at approximately 1330, June 19, 2005.

The pilot was attempting a routine landing on runway 02 when the accident occurred. The pilot reported that the airplane was approximately 15 feet above the runway when he began his flare. The pilot then nosed the airplane down and forced a landing, touching down on the main landing gear. The pilot stated that the airplane "landed very hard" and he then taxied the airplane to the hanger.

The post-accident examination of the airplane revealed flight surfaces were intact. The airplane had damage to the center section of the airframe, and some rivet heads were detached. The pilot did not report a mechanical problem with the airplane.

This was the pilot's first flight within the last 90 days, and he only had about 25 hours of dual time in a tail-wheel airplane.