On April 29, 1998, a Cessna 305 (registration N201FM) operated by John Robert Francis was involved in an aviation accident near Fredricktown, MO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control after landing. Factors contributing to this accident were the embankment, and the soft , muddy soil making up the embankment. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing, a pilot applied right rudder to correct a left turning tendency, causing an abrupt right turn. The airplane exited the runway, encountered mud on an embankment, and nosed over. No anomalies were found.
Accident Overview
After landing, the pilot noticed a gradual left turning tendency and applied right rudder to correct it. However, the airplane abruptly turned to the right. The pilot attempted to compensate by applying left aileron and increasing power. Despite these efforts, the airplane departed the runway surface.
Post-Exit Sequence
Once the airplane left the runway, the pilot pulled the mixture control to full lean. The airplane then encountered mud on the down slope of the embankment flanking the runway. This caused the airplane to gently nose over onto its top.
Examination Findings
A subsequent examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies. No mechanical or system malfunctions were identified that could explain the abrupt turn or the loss of directional control.
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