N143RD

Substantial
None

DIAMOND AIRCRAFT IND INC DA 40S/N: 40.657

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, May 20, 2018
NTSB Number
GAA18CA288
Location
Marlborough, MA
Event ID
20180521X42657
Coordinates
42.344444, -71.511665
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
4
Total Aboard
4

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s improper decision to land on a runway that was too short for a safe landing and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control in tailwind conditions.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N143RD
Make
DIAMOND AIRCRAFT IND INC
Serial Number
40.657
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2006
Model / ICAO
DA 40DA40
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
1707 RUN WAY
Status
Deregistered
City
MIDDLETOWN
State / Zip Code
OH 45042-2300
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that, during landing, the airplane touched down in the first third of the 1,659 ft long runway, but the airplane did not seem to slow as normal with the brakes applied. He pumped the brakes, but the deceleration was "less than expected". He considered performing a go around but decided to use maximum braking instead. With maximum brake applied, the airplane veered off the runway to the right and impacted a fence.

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.

He further reported that, following the accident, he inspected the runway and found solid skid marks from the right tire and broken skid marks from the left tire.

The pilot reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was light and variable, and predominately from 280°.

The automated weather observation station located about 12 miles to the east of the accident airport reported that, about 19 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 220° at 12 knots. The airplane landed on runway 32.

The calculated landing roll with full flaps was 930 ft and the landing distance over a 50 ft obstacle was 2,020 ft.

The manufacturer states that:

"For a safe landing the landing distance available (LDA) should be at least equal to the landing distance of a 50 ft (15m) obstacle."

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA288