Summary
On November 11, 2017, a Stinson SR 5E (N141WC) was involved in an incident near Burlington, WA. All 1 person 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 unstabilized approach, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing and nose-over. Also causal to the accident was the pilot’s improper decision to land on a closed alternate grass landing area.
The pilot of the amphibious, float-equipped airplane reported that, two days before a repositioning flight, he inspected the destination airport. He had planned to land on an alternate grass landing area, adjacent to an asphalt runway, and stop prior to a gravel driveway. He further reported that he noticed in the airport facility directory that the intended landing area was closed due to soft, wet conditions.
The pilot reported that, during landing, he was "high and fast". He further reported that he landed "too far along to stop before the gravel drive".
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA18CA042. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N141WC.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s unstabilized approach, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing and nose-over. Also causal to the accident was the pilot’s improper decision to land on a closed alternate grass landing area.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot of the amphibious, float-equipped airplane reported that, two days before a repositioning flight, he inspected the destination airport. He had planned to land on an alternate grass landing area, adjacent to an asphalt runway, and stop prior to a gravel driveway. He further reported that he noticed in the airport facility directory that the intended landing area was closed due to soft, wet conditions.
The pilot reported that, during landing, he was "high and fast". He further reported that he landed "too far along to stop before the gravel drive". The airplane encountered the gravel driveway, bounced, and landed hard, resulting in a nose over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The airport facility directory for the accident airport, in part stated:
"[Alternate Grass Landing Area (AGLA)]: AGLA clsd 1 Nov-1 June. Gnd soft when wet. [Daylight] hrs only. Use of AGLA prohibited when Rwy 04-22 in use."
It further stated: "Pilots use at own risk."
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA042