On June 27, 2006, a Cessna T206H (registration N562H) operated by California Flight Center, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Maria, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During landing, an airplane veered off the runway and ground looped after the right-seat passenger retracted the flaps. The left wing and propeller contacted the ground. An FAA inspection found no brake abnormalities.
Accident Sequence
During landing, the pilot retarded the throttle upon touchdown, and the indicated airspeed was 60 knots. At that time, the airline transport pilot (ATP) passenger occupying the right seat retracted the flaps. The pilot then applied the brakes, causing the airplane to turn sharply to the left. After releasing the brakes and lightly reapplying them, the airplane continued its leftward movement. The pilot reported applying full right aileron and increasing power, but the airplane turned and banked further left, resulting in the left wing striking the ground. Subsequently, the nose dropped and the propeller blades contacted the ground. The pilot reduced power and leveled the airplane. The airplane came to rest 30 to 40 feet left of the runway centerline, on a heading of 320 degrees.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane. The inspection revealed no abnormalities with the brakes. The wheels rotated freely, and there were no flat spots or other signs of trauma to the tires.