Casualties unknown

2005-07-01: Piper PA46-500TP (N804JH) — Canon City, CO

Canon City, CO, US

On July 1, 2005, a Piper PA46-500TP (registration N804JH) was involved in an aviation accident near Canon City, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Contributing factors include the crosswind and windshear conditions. 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 reported that during approach, distractions from a preceding aircraft and shifting winds led to a loss of directional control, causing a ground loop and main landing gear collapse.

Incident Details

During a landing attempt, the pilot of an airplane reported that the pilot of a Twin Commander ahead performed a go-around due to erratic winds at the approach end of runway 11. The pilot elected to do the same.

Pilot's Account

On the second approach, the pilot became distracted while maintaining a safe distance from the Twin Commander. During the landing, the winds shifted from a right crosswind to a left crosswind and then to a left quartering tailwind. At touchdown and during the landing roll, the airplane drifted left, and the pilot overcorrected. The airplane exited the runway to the right and ground looped, coming to rest off the runway.

Weather Conditions

Weather reports from two nearby stations indicated: a METAR 30 nautical miles east reported winds from 110 degrees at 10 knots; a METAR 30 nautical miles northeast reported winds from 140 degrees at 12 knots.

Outcome

Both the left and right main landing gear collapsed, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050715X01030. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.