Summary
On June 14, 2009, a Beech C17B (N47024) was involved in an incident near Stevensville, MD. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll.
The pilot stated that after takeoff the flight proceeded to the destination airport and the automated weather observing station (AWOS) indicated the wind was favoring runway 29. The flight continued and while on final approach to runway 29, the AWOS indicated the wind was from 360 degrees at 7 knots; no gusts were reported. The airplane was landed first on the main landing gear, and within seconds of lowering the tailwheel, the airplane suddenly veered to the right. She applied right aileron, left rudder, and left brake to stop the turn but was unsuccessful. The airplane departed the runway and collided with a ditch. After coming to rest she and her son exited the airplane. The spars of the lower left wing were damaged.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ERA09CA350. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N47024.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot stated that after takeoff the flight proceeded to the destination airport and the automated weather observing station (AWOS) indicated the wind was favoring runway 29. The flight continued and while on final approach to runway 29, the AWOS indicated the wind was from 360 degrees at 7 knots; no gusts were reported. The airplane was landed first on the main landing gear, and within seconds of lowering the tailwheel, the airplane suddenly veered to the right. She applied right aileron, left rudder, and left brake to stop the turn but was unsuccessful. The airplane departed the runway and collided with a ditch. After coming to rest she and her son exited the airplane. The spars of the lower left wing were damaged. Inspection of the airplane following recovery by a FAA certificated airframe and powerplant mechanic with inspection authorization (A&P/IA) revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction of the tailwheel assembly. The tailwheel pin was not fractured or failed, and he did not detect any excessive play or looseness in the tailwheel assembly.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA09CA350