Casualties unknown

2005-09-14: Cessna A185F (N4807) — Michael C. Gerhardt — Boulder, CO

Boulder, CO, US

On September 14, 2005, a Cessna A185F (registration N4807) operated by Michael C. Gerhardt was involved in an aviation accident near Boulder, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper flare which resulted in a hard landing and his subsequent failure to recover from the bounced landing. 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

On final approach, the airplane encountered light to moderate turbulence and airspeed dropped. The pilot reported a bounced landing on the right main gear, drifting, and a second airborne phase before a sharp turn caused a wing strike and runway excursion.

Incident Overview

During the final approach leg, the airplane encountered light to moderate turbulence, and the airspeed "dropped," according to the pilot. The airplane touched down on the right main landing gear and subsequently bounced. Both main landing gears made contact with the wet runway surface, and the airplane began to drift from left to right.

Sequence of Events

The airplane became airborne again, "turned approximately 10 to 15 degrees to the right and almost instantly set back down on the runway." The pilot stated that he applied full right aileron and full left rudder. As a result, the airplane turned sharply to the right, causing the left wing to scrape against the tarmac. The airplane then exited the right side of the runway and came to rest oriented at a 90-degree angle to the runway, approximately 30 feet from the edge of the runway.

Witness Report

A pilot who witnessed the accident reported that the airplane landed with a "tailwind."

Conclusion

The incident involved a bounced landing on a wet runway, loss of directional control, and a subsequent runway excursion. No further details are available from the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050920X01496. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.