Summary
On September 11, 2009, a Cessna 305A (N119WW) was involved in an incident near Helena, MT. 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 improper landing flare and recovery from a bounced landing.
During the landing flare, the pilot misjudged his height above the runway, resulting in a higher than normal flare, and a harder than normal touchdown. Immediately after the airplane made contact with the runway, it began to veer from side to side, and the pilot was unable to maintain directional control. According to the pilot, there were no issues with the rudder or the tail wheel steering systems, but he did feel that the glare from bright sun that he was landing toward had contributed to his abnormal flare height.
This incident is documented in NTSB report WPR09CA443. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N119WW.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's improper landing flare and recovery from a bounced landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
During the landing flare, the pilot misjudged his height above the runway, resulting in a higher than normal flare, and a harder than normal touchdown. Immediately after the airplane made contact with the runway, it began to veer from side to side, and the pilot was unable to maintain directional control. According to the pilot, there were no issues with the rudder or the tail wheel steering systems, but he did feel that the glare from bright sun that he was landing toward had contributed to his abnormal flare height.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR09CA443