Aircraft impacts runway following stall warning

Casualties unknown • Eveleth, MN, US

A pilot experienced a stall warning during final approach, leading to an aircraft impact on the runway and subsequent contact with bushes.

What happened

During the final approach phase of flight, the pilot transitioned onto the approach at an airspeed of 80 knots, utilizing what he believed to be 20 degrees of flaps and setting the power to 15 inches of manifold pressure. As the aircraft flew over trees located prior to the runway threshold, the pilot heard the stall warning indicator activate.

In response to the warning, the pilot applied full power; however, the airplane impacted the runway. Following the initial impact, the aircraft bounced, causing the right wing to strike bushes situated along the side of the runway. The pilot was not injured.

The investigation

An examination of the aircraft following the accident revealed that the flaps were actually in the 30 degree position, rather than the 20 degrees believed by the pilot during the approach. The pilot noted that he had no prior experience landing the aircraft in this specific configuration.

Probable cause

The pilot's use of an incorrect flap setting, specifically 30 degrees instead of the intended 20 degrees, which led to a stall warning and subsequent runway impact.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-05-25 Cessna 180D accident near Eveleth, MN?

A pilot experienced a stall warning during final approach, leading to an aircraft impact on the runway and subsequent contact with bushes.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-05-25 involved a Cessna 180D, registration N8611X, at Eveleth, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's use of an incorrect flap setting, specifically 30 degrees instead of the intended 20 degrees, which led to a stall warning and subsequent runway impact.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03438. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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