1994-12-22: Cessna 185A — Robert J. Van Horn — Long Beach, CA

Casualties unknown • Long Beach, CA, US

Probable cause

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft both during the landing and the attempted rejected landing maneuver.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, THE AIRCRAFT TOUCHED DOWN ON RUNWAY 25R IN A THREE-POINT ATTITUDE. THE AIRCRAFT SWERVED TO THE RIGHT AND HE ADDED POWER, WHICH STRAIGHTENED THE AIRPLANE'S GROUND TRACK. THE AIRCRAFT THEN SWERVED TO THE LEFT AND THE PILOT ELECTED TO REJECT THE LANDING. HE STATED THAT HE ADDED FULL POWER AND THE AIRCRAFT LIFTED OFF THE GROUND. THE PILOT SAID HE WAS UNABLE TO EITHER CLIMB OUT OF GROUND EFFECT OR PREVENT THE AIRCRAFT FROM DRIFTING LEFT TOWARD A LARGE COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT HANGAR. THE PILOT THEN PUT THE AIRCRAFT BACK ON THE GROUND AND IT GROUND LOOPED, DAMAGING THE WINGS.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-12-22 Cessna 185A accident near Long Beach, CA?

ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, THE AIRCRAFT TOUCHED DOWN ON RUNWAY 25R IN A THREE-POINT ATTITUDE. THE AIRCRAFT SWERVED TO THE RIGHT AND HE ADDED POWER, WHICH STRAIGHTENED THE AIRPLANE'S GROUND TRACK. THE AIRCRAFT THEN SWERVED TO THE LEFT AND THE PILOT ELECTED TO REJECT THE LANDING. HE STATED THAT HE ADDED FULL POWER AND THE…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-12-22 involved a Cessna 185A, registration N101LL, operated by Robert J. Van Horn, at Long Beach, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft both during the landing and the attempted rejected landing maneuver.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02753. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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