On February 9, 1991, an Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415C (registration N3353H) operated by Haigler, Gragel L. was involved in an aviation accident near Gastonia, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER FLARE AND SUBSEQUENT FAILURE TO RECOVER FROM A BOUNCED LANDING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported that during a personal flight, a gust of wind after a smooth two-point landing caused the airplane to be dropped hard onto the runway. The closest weather station reported a 13-knot crosswind.
Incident Details
A pilot on a local personal flight reported that after returning to the airport and landing on the northeast runway, a gust of wind affected the touchdown. According to the pilot, he made a smooth two-point landing before a gust of wind lifted the airplane and dropped it hard onto the runway. An FAA inspector stated that the pilot told him he landed hard, bounced, and struck the runway again on the nose gear.
Weather Conditions
The nearest weather reporting facility, located 10 miles east, reported winds from 290 degrees at 13 knots, resulting in a direct crosswind component of 13 knots at the time of the incident.
What happened in the 9 Feb 1991 Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415C accident near Gastonia, NC?
A pilot reported that during a personal flight, a gust of wind after a smooth two-point landing caused the airplane to be dropped hard onto the runway. The closest weather station reported a 13-knot crosswind.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Feb 1991 involved an Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415C, registration N3353H, operated by Haigler, Gragel L., at Gastonia, NC.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S IMPROPER FLARE AND SUBSEQUENT FAILURE TO RECOVER FROM A BOUNCED LANDING.
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