N239AM

Substantial
Minor

AIRCRAFT MFG & DEVELOPMENT CO CH 2000S/N: 20-1039

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
NTSB Number
ERA18LA175
Location
Newburyport, MA
Event ID
20180620X35049
Coordinates
42.796390, -70.839447
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 failure to adequately compensate for existing crosswind conditions during the final approach and landing flare, which led to the airplane drifting left of the runway, and his delayed decision to go around, which resulted in the airplane touching down in the grass next to the runway and a subsequent collision with trees.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N239AM
Make
AIRCRAFT MFG & DEVELOPMENT CO
Serial Number
20-1039
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2004
Model / ICAO
CH 2000BU20
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Multi Engine
No. of Engines
3

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
BALD EAGLE FLYING CLUB
Address
93 HUNTER RD
Status
Deregistered
City
FREEPORT
State / Zip Code
ME 04032-6740
Country
United States

Analysis

On June 20, 2018, about 1245 eastern daylight time, Aircraft Manufacturing and Development Company CH2000, N239AM, was substantially damaged during a go-around at Plum Island Airport (2B2), Newburyport, Massachusetts. The private pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated by Bald Eagle Flying Club under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for flight that originated at Portland International Airport (PWM), Portland, Maine at 1142 and was destined for 2B2.The pilot reported that he entered at the traffic pattern at 2B2 following an uneventful flight from PWM. The windsock showed a 20° left crosswind between 9 and 11 kts for runway 28. The approach to runway 28 was stable at 65 kts and the airplane was configured properly over the threshold. After crossing the threshold, the airplane descended and drifted to the left. The airplane was no longer over the runway, so the pilot elected to go around. He added full power and the left main gear struck the grass next to the runway. The airplane was not gaining altitude and continued to the left. He retracted the flaps with the hope of gaining altitude; however, the airplane did not climb and the stall warning horn activated. He pushed the yoke forward to avoid a stall and the airplane touched down on the grass and then collided with trees.

An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. He reported that the airplane came to rest in an area of thick brush and trees. There was no fire. The wings and fuselage sustained structural damage. The nose when was separated and found about 8 ft west of the main wreckage. The propeller and spinner were separated from the engine.

An examination of the runway revealed no skid or tire marks that would indicate touchdown on the paved surface. The first indication of touchdown was found in the grass, about ½ way down the 2,105 ft runway and 200 feet left of the runway edge. Several propeller slash marks were found in the ground, 20 ft west of the initial touchdown point. A stand of trees was located south and west of runway 28.

The pilot reported 149 hours of total flight time, including 22 hours in the accident airplane make and model. He reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions of failures with the airplane prior to the accident.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA18LA175