On July 3, 1986, a Cessna T210H (registration N2228R) was involved in an aviation accident near Cedar Key, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing and his inability to stop the aircraft on the runway, which resulted in the aircraft leaving the paved surface and striking a ditch. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot overflew the airport to locate a windsock, landed on runway 5 with a tailwind, and could not stop. The aircraft left the runway, struck a ditch, and came to rest inverted.
What happened
The student pilot reported that he flew past the airport in order to observe the direction of the wind as indicated by the windsock. When he was unable to locate the windsock, he proceeded with a landing on runway 5. The aircraft touched down with a left quartering tailwind. The pilot was unable to stop the aircraft on the available runway length. The aircraft departed the paved surface and struck a ditch before coming to rest in an inverted position.
The investigation
The investigation revealed that the student pilot had not received the required endorsement to fly complex aircraft.
Findings
The pilot overflew the airport to locate a windsock.
The pilot landed on runway 5 with a left quartering tailwind.
The pilot was unable to stop the aircraft within the runway limits.
The aircraft struck a ditch and flipped over.
The pilot lacked an endorsement for complex aircraft operations.
Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing and his inability to stop the aircraft on the runway, which resulted in the aircraft leaving the paved surface and striking a ditch. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of proper endorsement to fly complex aircraft.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 3 Jul 1986 Cessna T210H accident near Cedar Key, FL?
A student pilot overflew the airport to locate a windsock, landed on runway 5 with a tailwind, and could not stop. The aircraft left the runway, struck a ditch, and came to rest inverted.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Jul 1986 involved a Cessna T210H, registration N2228R, at Cedar Key, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing and his inability to stop the aircraft on the runway, which resulted in the aircraft leaving the paved surface and striking a ditch. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of proper endorsement to fly complex aircraft.
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