Casualties unknown

2006-10-23: Cessna U206G (N206LL) — Richard V. Frank — Willcox, AZ

Willcox, AZ, US

On October 23, 2006, a Cessna U206G (registration N206LL) operated by Richard V. Frank was involved in an aviation accident near Willcox, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudged flare and porpoising during 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

During a touch-and-go landing, a pilot reported porpoising and propeller strike after a flat landing with power. The aircraft veered right, damaging the left wing, propeller, and firewall. A rubber bumper on the nose landing gear strut was installed without pilot consultation.

Accident Details

The pilot was conducting touch-and-go takeoff and landings. During the second touch-and-go, upon touchdown, the airplane began "jumping again, striking the prop and going out of control." The event resulted in structural damage to the firewall.

Witness Report

A witness described the landing as a "flat attitude with power." The witness reported that the airplane began to oscillate. After several porpoises, the propeller and nose tire impacted the runway simultaneously. Subsequently, the airplane veered to the right, causing the left wing and propeller to contact the runway.

Pilot Statement

In his statement, the pilot noted that a mechanic had installed a rubber bumper on the nose landing gear strut to prevent it from bottoming out. The pilot indicated that the mechanic installed the bumper without consulting him. The rubber bumper was installed in June 2006, and the airplane had been flown several times prior to the event.

Aircraft Damage

The aircraft sustained structural damage to the firewall. No additional details regarding other damage were provided.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20061129X01722. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.