On February 3, 2002, a Beech 58P (registration N4458S) was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Ana, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to remain above the landing Boeing 757's glide path resulting in an encounter with wing tip vortices, a loss of directional control after touchdown, and collision with taxiway signs. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane experienced a hard landing and struck two taxiway signs after encountering wake turbulence from a preceding Boeing 757. The pilot aborted the landing, then landed again, veering left on the second touchdown.
Incident Overview
An airplane landed hard on the runway and struck two taxiway signs following a wake turbulence encounter on final approach. A Boeing 757 had landed approximately five minutes prior to the accident airplane.
Pilot Actions
While on downwind, the pilot executed a 360-degree turn for wing tip vortex avoidance. Just before touchdown, the airplane hit a "bump" and became "uncontrollable." The airplane landed hard to the right side of the runway and struck two taxiway signs. The pilot aborted the landing and took off again. Upon observing that the aircraft was still positioned over the runway, he decided to land instead of continuing the takeoff. On the second touchdown, the airplane veered to the left side of the runway.
Air Traffic Control Statement
According to a written statement submitted by Federal Aviation Administration ATC personnel, the pilot followed the glide path of the Boeing 757. The airplane flew into the wing tip vortices approximately 50 to 75 feet from landing, at a point behind where the 757 had touched down. The pilot failed to land beyond the Boeing 757's touchdown point, as suggested in the Aeronautical Information Manual.