Casualties unknown

2000-04-30: Cessna 185F (N6535E) — Pottstown, PA

Pottstown, PA, US

On April 30, 2000, a Cessna 185F (registration N6535E) was involved in an aviation accident near Pottstown, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The second pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and the inadequate supervision of the flight instructor. Factors related to the accident were the crosswind and gusting wind conditions. 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

During a training flight, a bounced landing led to a swerve and ground loop despite corrective control inputs. The aircraft departed the runway after the pilot applied brakes. The pilot had 4 hours of experience in the make and model.

Incident Overview

A certificated flight instructor (CFI) and a pilot were conducting a training flight. The landing sequence began with a bounce on the main landing gear, after which the airplane rolled out. For the crosswind condition, the pilots applied left rudder, right aileron, and elevator transitioning to full up.

Sequence of Events

Approximately 500 to 600 feet into the rollout, the airplane began to swerve to the right. The pilot responded by using the remaining left rudder travel and then started "feeding in left brake." The heading deviation had not exceeded 30 degrees when the CFI instructed the pilot to "get off the brakes." Both pilots then applied full left rudder, but the airplane departed the right side of the runway and accelerated into a ground loop.

Control Inputs and Guidance

The Federal Aviation Administration publication FAA-H-8083-3, Airplane Flying Handbook, states: "If the airplane touches down while drifting or in a crab, the pilot should apply aileron toward the high wing and stop the swerve with the rudder. Brakes should be used to correct for turns or swerves only when the rudder is inadequate. The pilot must exercise caution when applying corrective brake action because it is very easy to overcontrol and aggravate the situation."

Pilot Experience and Conditions

The pilot reported a total of 4 hours of flight experience in the make and model. The winds recorded at the airport at 0854 were 320 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 19 knots.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20908. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.