On June 14, 2009, a BEECH C17B was involved in an aviation accident near Stevensville, MD. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll. This summary draws on records from NTSB.
On final approach to runway 29, the pilot landed on main gear and lowered tailwheel, then the aircraft veered right. Despite corrective inputs, it exited the runway and struck a ditch. No preimpact failure of tailwheel assembly was found.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that after takeoff, the flight proceeded to the destination airport. The Automated Weather Observing Station (AWOS) initially indicated the wind was favoring runway 29. While on final approach to runway 29, the AWOS reported wind from 360 degrees at 7 knots with no gusts. The pilot landed the airplane first on the main landing gear. Within seconds of lowering the tailwheel, the airplane suddenly veered to the right. The pilot applied right aileron, left rudder, and left brake to stop the turn but was unsuccessful. The airplane departed the runway and collided with a ditch.
Post-Accident Actions and Findings
After coming to rest, the pilot and her son exited the airplane. The spars of the lower left wing were damaged. Inspection of the airplane following recovery by an FAA certificated airframe and powerplant mechanic with inspection authorization (A&P/IA) revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction of the tailwheel assembly. The tailwheel pin was not fractured or failed, and the mechanic did not detect any excessive play or looseness in the tailwheel assembly.
Contributing factors
Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot
What happened in the 14 Jun 2009 BEECH C17B accident near Stevensville, MD?
On final approach to runway 29, the pilot landed on main gear and lowered tailwheel, then the aircraft veered right. Despite corrective inputs, it exited the runway and struck a ditch. No preimpact failure of tailwheel assembly was found.
Were there any fatalities in the 14 Jun 2009 BEECH C17B accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Jun 2009 involved a BEECH C17B, at Stevensville, MD.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll.
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