Casualties unknown

2006-05-20: Cirrus Design Corp. SR22 (N814SN) — Verdigre, NE

Verdigre, NE, US

On May 20, 2006, a Cirrus Design Corp. SR22 (registration N814SN) was involved in an aviation accident near Verdigre, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to land on a wet grass runway that had insufficient length available for landing roll. 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 Cirrus SR22 impacted two trees during an aborted landing on a private grass airstrip. The pilot reported the runway was wet and partially seeded, leading to a loss of control.

Accident Summary

A Cirrus SR22 struck two trees approximately 50 feet beyond the departure threshold during an aborted landing attempt on a private grass airstrip. The pilot reported that the landing was aborted after the airplane began sliding on the wet runway when brakes were applied.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that the private grass airstrip was 2,700 feet long and 75 feet wide. A rain shower earlier that morning had left the runway wet. About half of the runway had been recently seeded, so the pilot attempted to land on the remaining portion. Upon touchdown, braking caused the airplane to slide, prompting the pilot to abort the landing. The airplane became airborne but then impacted two trees.

Runway and Conditions

Post-accident examination of the runway determined that the airplane touched down with approximately 1,265 feet of runway remaining. The trees were situated about 50 feet past the departure threshold.

Performance Calculations

According to the Cirrus SR22 Pilot Operating Handbook (POH), the landing roll distance for a dry, level, paved runway is 1,205 feet. The POH specifies a 40% increase for operations on grass runways, resulting in a calculated landing distance of 1,687 feet. No adjustment factor is provided in the POH for wet runway conditions.

Post-accident Examination

During the post-accident inspection, the flaps were found fully extended. The POH states that during an aborted landing, flaps should be retracted to 50% to maximize climb performance.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060607X00700. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.