Casualties unknown

2003-02-15: Socata TBM 700 (N700GJ) — Aspen, CO

Aspen, CO, US

On February 15, 2003, a Socata TBM 700 (registration N700GJ) was involved in an aviation accident near Aspen, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the dual student's failure to maintain aircraft control and the inadequate supervision by the flight instructor. Contributing factors include the tailwind and the turbulence. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a training landing, a stabilized approach encountered turbulence at 100 feet, causing rapid rolls. During the flare at 15 feet, the left wing dropped with high sink rate. The instructor intervened but the left wing struck the runway.

Approach and Initial Conditions

The approach was stabilized at 100 knots with landing gear and flaps extended for landing. The approach proceeded normally until the aircraft reached approximately 100 feet above the runway.

Encounter with Turbulence

At about 100 feet, the aircraft encountered turbulence that induced rapid rolling tendencies, alternating left and right.

Flare and Wing Drop

As the student pilot began the landing flare at approximately 15 feet above the runway, the left wing dropped rapidly, accompanied by a sudden high sink rate.

Instructor Intervention

At this point, the flight instructor assumed control of the aircraft and applied corrective inputs, including rudder, aileron, pitch, and power adjustments.

Outcome

Despite the instructor's corrective actions, the left wing made contact with the runway.

Meteorological Conditions

At the time of the incident, the reported winds were from 310 degrees at 6 knots. The temperature was 2 degrees Celsius. Records indicated that the winds were variable throughout the day.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030221X00244. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.