N418CMHUGHES CHARLES R ZODIAC 601XL2013-05-07 NTSB Accident Report

Substantial
Minor

HUGHES CHARLES R ZODIAC 601XLS/N: 6-6450

Summary

On May 07, 2013, a Hughes Charles R ZODIAC 601XL (N418CM) was involved in an accident near Meriden, CT. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's decision to land with a tailwind and his failure to maintain aircraft control during landing.

The pilot reported that he landed with a tailwind, and that the airplane touched down further down the runway than usual. When the pilot applied brakes to exit the runway onto the taxiway, the tires skidded and the airplane pivoted around to the left before coming to rest inverted. Postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to both left and right wings and the vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane. He further stated that he was fatigued, had “rushed” the landing approach, and had not taken time to properly evaluate the wind conditions prior to landing.

This accident is documented in NTSB report ERA13CA233. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N418CM.

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
NTSB Number
ERA13CA233
Location
Meriden, CT
Event ID
20130509X72539
Coordinates
41.508609, -72.829444
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's decision to land with a tailwind and his failure to maintain aircraft control during landing.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
HUGHES CHARLES R
Serial Number
6-6450
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2011
Model / ICAO
ZODIAC 601XL
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
ZODIAC 601XL

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
HUGHES CHARLES R
Address
905 BENHAM ST
City
HAMDEN
State / Zip Code
CT 06514-1924
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that he landed with a tailwind, and that the airplane touched down further down the runway than usual. When the pilot applied brakes to exit the runway onto the taxiway, the tires skidded and the airplane pivoted around to the left before coming to rest inverted. Postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to both left and right wings and the vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane. He further stated that he was fatigued, had “rushed” the landing approach, and had not taken time to properly evaluate the wind conditions prior to landing.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA13CA233