Aircraft Nose Over During Landing Approach

Casualties unknown • Billings, MT, US

An aircraft experienced a nose-over accident during the flare phase of landing due to a wing lift and subsequent loss of control.

What happened

During the approach for landing, the pilot acting as pilot-in-command reported encountering turbulence and wind shear conditions. Due to these conditions, the pilot elected to perform a go-around and requested that the flight instructor take control of the aircraft to complete the landing, noting the instructor's greater experience in the airplane.

The flight instructor subsequently conducted an approach to a different runway. The instructor reported that the approach was normal given the crosswind conditions. However, as the aircraft reached the flare phase, the right wing lifted and the left wing made contact with the runway. In an attempt to correct the situation, the instructor applied power, right rudder, and aileron control, but the aircraft veered to the left and tipped forward onto its nose.

At the time of the accident, the aircraft was landing in a quartering crosswind from the right at 16 knots. Air traffic control records indicate that no other private or commercial aircraft operating at the airport reported experiencing turbulence or wind shear conditions during this period.

Findings

While the pilot reported encountering turbulence and wind shear, air traffic communications showed that neither the occupants of the involved aircraft nor any other pilots in the vicinity reported such weather phenomena to the controller.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced a wing lift during the flare phase which led to a left wing strike and a subsequent nose-over accident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-04-16 Cessna A185E accident near Billings, MT?

An aircraft experienced a nose-over accident during the flare phase of landing due to a wing lift and subsequent loss of control.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-04-16 involved a Cessna A185E, registration N70194, operated by Alvin Hirsch, at Billings, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced a wing lift during the flare phase which led to a left wing strike and a subsequent nose-over accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07827. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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