Casualties unknown

1989-06-17: Cessna 177 (N29339) — Frank Burnham — Banning, CA

Banning, CA, US

On June 17, 1989, a Cessna 177 (registration N29339) operated by Frank Burnham was involved in an aviation accident near Banning, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION BY THE PILOT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a touch-and-go landing in high density altitude conditions, the airplane failed to climb. The pilot aborted takeoff and landed on the overrun, but the nosewheel struck a sand ridge, causing the nose gear to collapse.

Accident Overview

On a day when the temperature was at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit, a pilot conducted a touch-and-go landing at an airport with an elevation of 2,219 feet above mean sea level. The density altitude was calculated to be approximately 5,400 feet.

Sequence of Events

After the takeoff portion of the touch-and-go, the airplane did not achieve a normal climb. The pilot reported that the engine sounded normal, but the airplane felt as if it were mushing. Deciding to abort the takeoff, the pilot chose to land on the runway overrun.

Nose Gear Collapse

Upon touchdown, the nosewheel encountered a six-inch-high ridge of sand. The impact caused the nose gear to collapse. No other damage or injuries were reported in the source.

Environmental Conditions

The high temperature and airport elevation resulted in a density altitude significantly higher than the field elevation, affecting aircraft performance. The specific aircraft type, registration, and operator were not mentioned in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28601. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.