Casualties unknown

2004-01-14: Cessna 305A (N305BD) — Edward M. Robinson — Casa Grande, AZ

Casa Grande, AZ, US

On January 14, 2004, a Cessna 305A (registration N305BD) operated by Edward M. Robinson was involved in an aviation accident near Casa Grande, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of a tail wheel steering component (spring), which resulted in a loss of directional control and a ground loop during the landing roll. A contributing factor was the soft terrain adjacent to the runway. 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 landing rollout, a tailwheel airplane veered off the runway into sandy terrain and ground looped after a bounce and unsuccessful rudder inputs. A broken tailwheel rudder control spring was found post-accident.

Event Description

The pilot lost directional control during the landing rollout. After touchdown, the airplane veered off the side of the runway, entered a sandy area adjacent to the runway, and ground looped. At the time of the landing, the wind was nearly calm.

Landing Sequence

The pilot had planned to touch down in a three-point configuration, but the airplane was not fully stalled. Upon initial touchdown, the airplane bounced about 1 foot into the air before touching down again. Neither touchdown was hard.

Pilot Actions

During the landing roll, the pilot applied pressure to the rudder pedals in an effort to maintain directional control. Despite also applying engine power and additional rudder pressure, his efforts were unsuccessful, and directional control was lost.

Post-Accident Examination

During the subsequent airframe examination, one of the airplane's tail wheel rudder control springs was found broken.

Conclusion

The source does not state a probable cause for this event.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040120X00076. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.