27 May 2015: CESSNA T188C — Circle S Aviation, LLC

27 May 2015: CESSNA T188C (N1965J) — Circle S Aviation, LLC

No fatalities • Pine Bluffs, WY, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of directional control to the right for reasons that could not be determined during examination of the right main landing gear wheel and brake drum.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

On May 27, 2015, about 0700 mountain daylight time, a Cessna T188C, N1965J, departed the right side of the runway 08 after landing at Pine Bluffs Municipal Airport (82V), Pine Bluffs, Wyoming. The pilot, the sole occupant on board, was not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to and operated by Circle S Aviation, LLC, Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan had been filed. The local flight originated from 82V about 0540.

The pilot said the winds were light and variable as he made his landing approach. Upon touch down and upon application of forward elevator control, the airplane veered sharply to the right. Full aerodynamic control inputs and the application of left brake did not stop the veer. The airplane departed the right side of the runway and struck a small berm. The left main landing gear was bent aft, and the airplane slid to a stop, crushing the engine cowling and wrinkling both wings. The pilot's verbal statement given to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and his written statement contained in this accident report were similar.

An FAA inspector examined the airplane and reported that the only skid marks on the runway were from the left tire. When the aircraft was raised by a lift, the right tire assembly spun freely. The right brake drum was found to be deeply grooved, but there was no indication the right wheel had seized. The reason for the runway departure could not be determined.

Contributing factors

  • cause Directional control — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Pilot

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 290/09kt, vis 10sm

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