On February 16, 1994, a Cessna TU206 (registration N756YH) operated by Erickson Brothers was involved in an aviation accident near Salt Lake City, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to reduce power completely while the aircraft was still four to five feet above the runway during an aborted takeoff, which resulted in a nose-first impact and subsequent collapse of the nose landing gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot aborted a takeoff when the aircraft began to porpoise. Reducing power at low altitude resulted in a nose-first impact that collapsed the nose landing gear.
What happened
The pilot reported that the aircraft began to porpoise during the takeoff roll, prompting an immediate abort decision. At the moment of initiation, the aircraft was approximately four to five feet above the runway surface. The pilot reduced the engine power completely to bring the aircraft down.
Upon contact with the ground, the aircraft impacted nose-first. This impact resulted in significant damage to the landing gear system, specifically causing the collapse of the nose landing gear. The force of the collision also blew the nose tire. Following the initial impact, the aircraft slid off the side of the runway.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to reduce power completely while the aircraft was still four to five feet above the runway during an aborted takeoff, which resulted in a nose-first impact and subsequent collapse of the nose landing gear.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 16 Feb 1994 Cessna TU206 accident near Salt Lake City, UT?
A pilot aborted a takeoff when the aircraft began to porpoise. Reducing power at low altitude resulted in a nose-first impact that collapsed the nose landing gear.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Feb 1994 involved a Cessna TU206, registration N756YH, operated by Erickson Brothers, at Salt Lake City, UT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to reduce power completely while the aircraft was still four to five feet above the runway during an aborted takeoff, which resulted in a nose-first impact and subsequent collapse of the nose landing gear.
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