Casualties unknown

2002-07-10: Beech 95-B55 (N812D) — Charles A. Moran — Mesa, AZ

Mesa, AZ, US

On July 10, 2002, a Beech 95-B55 (registration N812D) operated by Charles A. Moran was involved in an aviation accident near Mesa, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot lost control of the airplane during gusty wind conditions resulting in a hard landing and collapse of the right main landing gear. 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 pilot lost control during gusty crosswind conditions, resulting in a hard landing that collapsed the right main landing gear. The aircraft bounced, an abort attempt failed, and it came to rest off the runway.

Incident Overview

The pilot of an airplane experienced a loss of control while landing in gusty wind conditions, leading to a hard landing that caused the collapse of the right main landing gear. The event occurred after the pilot obtained weather information from the destination airport's control tower, including updates on wind conditions.

Weather and Approach

Before departing for the 30-minute flight, the pilot learned that a dust storm had passed through the area. Upon arrival at the destination airport, the pilot received several wind updates. At the time of the accident, the airport reported crosswind gusts of 26 knots.

Landing Sequence

As the airplane crossed the runway threshold, the pilot reduced power at 110 mph. According to the pilot, the airplane then "fell from the sky." After impacting the runway, the airplane bounced back into the air. The pilot attempted to abort the landing, but the effort was unsuccessful. The airplane struck the runway again and eventually came to rest on dirt adjacent to the runway. The hard landing resulted in the collapse of the right main landing gear.

Probable cause

The pilot lost control of the airplane during gusty wind conditions resulting in a hard landing and collapse of the right main landing gear.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020715X01135. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.