N220CL

Substantial
None

PILATUS PC12S/N: 364

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
NTSB Number
GAA15CA174
Location
Belgrade, MT
Event ID
20150709X90721
Coordinates
45.785831, -111.163612
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

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

Registration
N220CL
Make
PILATUS
Serial Number
364
Engine Type
Turbo-shaft
Model / ICAO
PC12PC12
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
UMB BANK NA TRUSTEE
Address
6440 S MILLROCK DR STE 400
Status
Deregistered
City
SALT LAKE CITY
State / Zip Code
UT 84121-5058
Country
United States

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