Casualties unknown

1993-05-31: Cessna 185F (N185TD) — Carpenter, Peter F. — Gustavus, AK

Gustavus, AK, US

On May 31, 1993, a Cessna 185F (registration N185TD) operated by Carpenter, Peter F. was involved in an aviation accident near Gustavus, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT MISJUDGING HIS SPEED WHILE LANDING ON A WET GRASS STRIP. 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

A pilot landed 400 feet beyond the threshold of a 1,200-foot strip with nil braking action on wet grass, causing the airplane to overrun and strike a ditch, collapsing the main landing gear.

Summary

During a landing on a 1,200-foot wet grass airstrip, the pilot touched down 400 feet beyond the threshold. The airplane overran the end of the strip and struck a ditch, resulting in the collapse of the main landing gear.

Full Account

The pilot reported that he used full flaps and an approach speed of 65 knots. He touched down 400 feet past the threshold of the 1,200-foot strip. The braking action on the wet grass was described as 'nil'. The airplane continued beyond the end of the airstrip and hit a ditch, collapsing the main landing gear.

Aircraft Performance Reference

According to the pilot operator's handbook supplement for the Robertson STOL conversion, the normal ground roll under conditions of full flaps, 58 knots indicated at 50 feet, and heavy braking on hard surfaced runways is 310 feet. The supplement notes that this distance should be increased by 20% for dry grass runways.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12275. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.