Aircraft Ground Loops During Landing Roll After Pilot Reports Fatigue (N3091B)

Q: What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-09-10 involved a Cessna 195 B, registration N3091B, operated by Elizabeth A. Copland-leckey, at Richmond, VA.

On September 10, 1994, a Cessna 195 B (registration N3091B) operated by Elizabeth A. Copland-leckey was involved in an aviation accident near Richmond, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to recognize his level of fatigue from a difficult and long flight, which resulted in a high-speed approach and bounced landing, leading to loss of directional control and a ground loop. 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 API Editorial standards

A pilot reported failing to recognize fatigue from a long flight, leading to a high-speed approach, bounced landing, and subsequent ground loop during the landing roll.

Overview

An airplane experienced a ground loop during the landing roll. The pilot reported that a combination of factors contributed to the incident.

Sequence of Events

During the approach, the pilot found the airplane slightly low on final. To correct the descent rate, the pilot added power, which resulted in a higher than necessary final approach speed. The touchdown was fast, causing the airplane to bounce. Following the bounce, the pilot was unable to maintain directional control, and the airplane ground looped.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated: "... I did not recognize my level of fatigue from a difficult and long flight. After beginning the approach ... I found myself slightly low on final. With the addition of power to slow the descent, my final approach speed was higher than needed. The touchdown was fast, and the airplane bounced. I was unable to maintain directional control, and the airplane ground looped ..."

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to recognize his level of fatigue from a difficult and long flight, which resulted in a high-speed approach and bounced landing, leading to loss of directional control and a ground loop.

1994-09-10: Cessna 195 B (N3091B) — Elizabeth A. Copland-leckey — Richmond, VA