N128JH

Substantial
None

Hughes J/Hughes J Rand-RobinsonS/N: 2810

Accident Details

Date
Friday, October 29, 2010
NTSB Number
CEN11CA046
Location
Pearland, TX
Event ID
20101101X52514
Coordinates
29.519443, -95.238609
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was an engine oil leak which partially obscured the pilot’s forward vision.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
HUGHES J/HUGHES J
Serial Number
2810
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2010
Model / ICAO
Rand-RobinsonH500
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
RAND ROBINSON KR2

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
HUGHES JAY W
Address
1790 HORSESHOE RD
City
YOAKUM
State / Zip Code
TX 77995-6900
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot, who was the builder of the experimental single engine airplane, was making the first flight after having completed several high-speed taxi tests and ground runs of the engine. The pilot stated that shortly after becoming airborne and during the initial climb, he began to notice oil on the windshield. When he returned to the airport for landing the oil was significantly reducing his forward visibility and he had difficulty judging his height above the ground. During the landing the airplane “touched down hard and bounced”. On the second touchdown both main landing gear legs collapsed and penetrated through the top surfaces of the wings. The solo pilot was not injured. Two weeks after the accident the pilot said he still had not been able to determine the source of the engine oil leak.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN11CA046