N131HM

On May 18, 2006, at 2009 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna T210L single-engine airplane, N131HM, was destroyed while landing at a private airstrip near Battle Ground, Washington. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual. The certificated private pilot received serious injuries, while the two passengers sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal cross-country flight, which was operated in accordance with 14 CFR Part 91, and a flight plan was not filed. The flight departed Boeing Field/King County International Airport, Seattle, Washington, at 1900, with its destination being the Buzzard Flats airstrip, near Battle Ground, Washington.

According to the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report (NTSB form 6120.1), the pilot reported that the first approach to Runway 07 (1,730 feet long and 130 feet wide) resulted in a missed approach and go-around. The pilot stated that on his second landing attempt the airplane bounced and he tried applying brakes, but he was unable to stop on the grass turf [runway] before the aircraft impacted a fence and trees. The airplane came to rest in and upright position and was subsequently consumed by fire. The pilot reported no precrash anomalies with the airplane.

A Federal Aviation Safety Inspector, who traveled to the accident site, reported that the right front seat passenger, a certificated commercial pilot, revealed to the inspector that the airplane's approach to the private airstrip was high and fast. The inspector also reported that flight control continuity and a detailed examination of the wreckage was not possible, due to the destructive nature of the accident.

At 1953, the weather reporting at the Pearson Field Airport (VUO), Vancouver, Washington, located 9 nautical miles south of the accident site, reported wind variable at 3 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, sky clear, temperature 26 degree C, dew point 10 degrees C, and an altimeter setting of 29.80 inches of Mercury.