Co-pilot stall and wing drag during IMC landing

Casualties unknown • Englewood, CO, US

A co-pilot took control during an instrument approach, but the aircraft stalled shortly after touchdown in poor weather, causing the right wing to drag along the runway surface.

What happened

The aircraft was conducting a landing approach under Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). During the transition from IFR to VFR flight rules, airspeed decayed. The co-pilot assumed control of the aircraft, believing he had better visual reference to the runway than the pilot flying.

As the co-pilot lowered the nose and attempted to correct the aircraft's alignment for landing, it stalled approximately 5 feet above ground level. Despite the stall, the right wing dragged on the runway surface during touchdown. The aircraft eventually landed on the runway centerline and rolled out normally without further incident.

The flight crew remained unaware of the wing strike until a passenger inquired about sparks emanating from the right side of the plane. The co-pilot later stated that he believed his intervention prevented the situation from worsening.

Findings

Contributing factors included the loss of airspeed during the critical phase of transitioning between flight rules and the misalignment with the runway upon breaking out of clouds. The stall occurred due to improper pitch control during the recovery attempt.

Probable cause

The co-pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the transition from IFR to VFR, which resulted in a stall and subsequent right wing drag during landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1983-05-30 Douglas DC-3C accident near Englewood, CO?

A co-pilot took control during an instrument approach, but the aircraft stalled shortly after touchdown in poor weather, causing the right wing to drag along the runway surface.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1983-05-30 involved a Douglas DC-3C, registration N29958, operated by Kimber Air, Inc., at Englewood, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The co-pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the transition from IFR to VFR, which resulted in a stall and subsequent right wing drag during landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X42946. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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