Summary
On July 08, 2015, a Pilatus PC12 (N220CL) was involved in an incident near Belgrade, 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 use of pitch control during an instructional maneuver, which resulted in a tail strike during landing.
During a pilot competency checkride, while on downwind in the traffic pattern, the pilot reported that the examiner requested a zero flap, power off, 180 degree approach and landing. As the airplane arrived at the threshold, the pilot noted higher than normal airspeed and a greater than normal approach angle of attack. The pilot increased the angle of attack until the stick shaker activated and then performed a go around maneuver. During the go around, the tail struck the runway, but the pilot reported that he did not remember feeling the tail touch the runway. After the go around, the pilot completed the maneuver without incident.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA15CA174. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N220CL.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's improper use of pitch control during an instructional maneuver, which resulted in a tail strike during landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
During a pilot competency checkride, while on downwind in the traffic pattern, the pilot reported that the examiner requested a zero flap, power off, 180 degree approach and landing. As the airplane arrived at the threshold, the pilot noted higher than normal airspeed and a greater than normal approach angle of attack. The pilot increased the angle of attack until the stick shaker activated and then performed a go around maneuver. During the go around, the tail struck the runway, but the pilot reported that he did not remember feeling the tail touch the runway. After the go around, the pilot completed the maneuver without incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder during the tailstrike.
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA15CA174