Aircraft excursion during wheel landing on runway 28L

Casualties unknown • Boise, ID, US

A pilot experienced a loss of directional control during a wheel landing, resulting in the aircraft spinning off the runway and sustaining structural damage.

What happened

During a wheel landing on runway 28L, the pilot of the aircraft experienced a sudden swerve to the right as the tail settled. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation using left rudder; however, due to the low airspeed of the aircraft, the rudder was ineffective at maintaining directional control.

As the aircraft continued to veer right, the left main tire separated from the wheel rim. The exposed wheel rim then dug into the pavement, causing the aircraft to spin 180 degrees. The aircraft eventually came to a stop just off the right side of the runway. There were no injuries reported in the incident.

The investigation

The investigation included an examination of the aircraft's condition and damage. The Director of Maintenance for the facility contracted to repair the aircraft provided a list of damaged components to the NTSB. This documentation indicated that the fuselage had sustained structural damage specifically in the area of the left main landing gear attachment point. Prior to the accident, the pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the aircraft.

Probable cause

The loss of directional control was caused by ineffective rudder authority at low speeds during the landing roll, which led to a tire separation and subsequent excursion from the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-07-16 Cessna A185F accident near Boise, ID?

A pilot experienced a loss of directional control during a wheel landing, resulting in the aircraft spinning off the runway and sustaining structural damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-07-16 involved a Cessna A185F, registration N78RD, at Boise, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of directional control was caused by ineffective rudder authority at low speeds during the landing roll, which led to a tire separation and subsequent excursion from the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040819X01256. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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