Casualties unknown

2006-07-19: Beech A36 (N4785M) — Bakersfield, CA

Bakersfield, CA, US

On July 19, 2006, a Beech A36 (registration N4785M) was involved in an aviation accident near Bakersfield, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot stalled the airplane during the landing flare, resulting in a hard 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

A pilot stalled the airplane during the landing flare after extending the downwind to avoid wake turbulence, resulting in a hard landing, collapse of the right main landing gear, and a runway excursion.

Incident Summary

A pilot executed a hard landing that caused substantial damage to the airplane. The pilot had extended the downwind leg for landing at the destination airport with the intention of avoiding wake turbulence generated by a jet that was departing the runway of intended use. During the landing flare, the pilot stalled the airplane, which led to the hard landing. The right main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane subsequently rolled off the runway surface. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Sequence of Events

The pilot was on approach to the destination airport and observed a departing jet from the same runway. To avoid the wake turbulence produced by the jet, the pilot extended the downwind leg. While transitioning to the landing flare, the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall. The stall resulted in a hard touchdown, causing the right main landing gear to collapse. The loss of the landing gear caused the airplane to veer off the runway.

Aircraft Damage

The hard landing inflicted substantial damage to the airplane. The right main landing gear was collapsed, and the airplane departed the runway surface. The pilot noted that no mechanical issues were present before the event that could have affected normal flight operation.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that the airplane suffered no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have prevented normal operation. The event was attributed entirely to the stall during the flare, which resulted in the hard landing and subsequent damage.

Probable cause

The pilot stalled the airplane during the landing flare, resulting in a hard landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060823X01230. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.