Wing tip contact during landing rollout

Casualties unknown • Arlington, WA, US

An aircraft experienced a wing tip strike after an asymmetrical touchdown caused by an upwind wing lift during the landing flare.

What happened

During the landing phase of the flight, the pilot attempted to flare the aircraft for touchdown. During this maneuver, the right wing, which was on the upwind side, rose. This movement resulted in the airplane touching down on the left main gear, which was the downwind side.

As the aircraft continued the landing rollout, it began to yaw to the right. This yawing motion caused the wing tip to make contact with the runway surface. At the time of the accident, weather conditions were visual meteorological conditions with a high overcast and an easterly wind ranging from 10 to 15 knots.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions involved in the occurrence. The specific runway used during the landing was not identified, though the airport features two runways: one oriented north-south and another oriented northwest-southeast.

Probable cause

The right wing rose during the landing flare due to upwind conditions, leading to an asymmetrical touchdown on the left main gear and a subsequent wing tip strike during the rollout.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2001-01-20 Stinson 108-2 accident near Arlington, WA?

An aircraft experienced a wing tip strike after an asymmetrical touchdown caused by an upwind wing lift during the landing flare.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-01-20 involved a Stinson 108-2, registration N228C, at Arlington, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The right wing rose during the landing flare due to upwind conditions, leading to an asymmetrical touchdown on the left main gear and a subsequent wing tip strike during the rollout.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010206X00405. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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