Casualties unknown

2001-04-20: Cessna 337F (N20AK) — Quinton, VA

Quinton, VA, US

On April 20, 2001, a Cessna 337F (registration N20AK) was involved in an aviation accident near Quinton, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing. Factors in the accident were the crosswind, and the pilot's lack of experience in make and model. 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 an approach to runway 28, a pilot encountered a strong gust or wind shear, causing the airplane to porpoise and contact the runway with the right wing and propeller before veering into a ditch.

Accident Details

An airplane on approach to runway 28 experienced a sudden gust or wind shear, according to the pilot. The pilot stated that the gust pushed the airplane upward and to the right. While nearly completing a correction to realign with the centerline, the pilot reported that "the bottom dropped out." The airplane then bounced, began porpoising, and the right wing and front propeller struck the runway. Subsequently, the airplane veered off the right side of the runway and entered a ditch.

Pilot Experience

The pilot had obtained a multi-engine private pilot rating approximately one month before the accident. He reported a total flight experience of about 1,100 hours, including 25 hours in multi-engine aircraft. In the accident airplane, the pilot had accumulated 15 hours of flight experience, all conducted with a flight instructor.

Weather Conditions

At an airport located about 11 miles west of the accident site, winds were reported from 200 degrees at 14 knots.

Examination

An examination of the wreckage revealed no pre-impact malfunctions, and the pilot did not report any anomalies prior to the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010425X00812. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.