Casualties unknown

1998-12-14: Cessna 337 (N536RK) — Lufkin, TX

Lufkin, TX, US

On December 14, 1998, a Cessna 337 (registration N536RK) was involved in an aviation accident near Lufkin, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The inadvertent stall due to the pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing. 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 APIEditorial standards

A multi-engine airplane was destroyed by a post-impact fire after the pilot initiated a go-around following multiple bounces during landing. The pilot reported a late flare, hard landing, and an uncontrolled left turn.

Accident Overview

A multi-engine airplane was destroyed when it impacted the ground and caught fire after the pilot attempted a go-around maneuver following a bounced landing. The accident occurred during an approach to land.

Sequence of Events

According to the pilot's account, the airplane flared late during final approach, contacting the runway in a level attitude. This resulted in a hard landing and a bounce. The aircraft bounced a second time, which the pilot described as "really high," accompanied by a drift to the left. After a third bounce, the pilot called for a go-around and advanced the throttles fully forward.

Loss of Control

When the pilot pushed the entire power quadrant forward, the airplane immediately entered a severe left turn despite full left yoke deflection. The pilot stated he could not reverse this turn. The airplane entered a steep left bank, heading 90 degrees left of the runway heading, toward hangars. The pilot then pulled the nose up in an attempt to clear the hangars, and the airplane "probably stalled."

Impact and Fire

The airplane impacted the ground left wing down and slid between two hangars. A fire erupted as both occupants exited the aircraft. The airplane was subsequently consumed by the post-impact fire.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11560. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.