History of Flight
On October 2, 2017, about 1048 Atlantic standard time, a Cessna 182D, N9021X, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain during landing at Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport (SIG), San Juan, Puerto Rico. The flight originated at Cyril E. King Airport (STT), Charlotte Amalie, United States Virgin Islands, about 1015. The airplane was privately owned and operated as a personal flight under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
According to the air traffic controller, the pilot was cleared to land on runway 9 behind a flight of two Blackhawk helicopters. The pilot reported the helicopters in sight. On short final, he was cleared to land after the helicopters cleared the runway at the Bravo 4 intersection. The controller reported that the airplane was still airborne passing Bravo 2 and touched down about 500 ft before Bravo 3. The airplane then bounced and came to rest inverted in the grass between the runway and taxiway. Due to hurricane damage, air traffic voice communications were not recorded.
The pilot-rated passenger, in the right seat, reported that on approach he heard the tower clear a Cessna 172 to go around, clear a Citation to land, and clear two Blackhawks behind the Citation. The accident pilot turned base and was cleared to land behind the helicopters. After turning final, they noted some turbulence they assumed was from the helicopters. The controller then instructed the pilot to perform s-turns. The passenger estimated the helicopters would still be hovering over the runway as they arrived at the threshold, so the pilot asked for confirmation of landing clearance; the controller affirmed. As the airplane crossed the threshold, the Blackhawks were turning off. They felt a heavy downdraft and thought the airplane would hit hard. Just before touchdown, another burst pitched the airplane hard left. They announced a go-around, and the pilot turned right. Adding power, another burst pitched the airplane straight up. About 50-100 ft above ground, the airplane rolled inverted and impacted the grass between taxiway and runway with full power. The passenger stated no mechanical issues and normal engine performance.
Personnel Information
The pilot held a private pilot certificate with single- and multiengine land ratings. His second-class medical certificate was issued May 9, 2017, with no limitations. On the application, he reported 1,057 total flight hours, including 58 in the previous 6 months. His logbooks were not located.
The pilot-rated passenger held a private pilot certificate with airplane single-engine land rating. His second-class medical certificate was issued July 14, 2016, with no limitations. He reported 165 total hours, including 52 in the previous 6 months.
Aircraft Information
The high-wing, single-engine, four-seat airplane had fixed tricycle landing gear and a Continental 230-horsepower reciprocating engine with a McCauley two-bladed constant-speed propeller. Maintenance records were not located after the accident.
Meteorological Information
At 1835, observed weather at SIG included wind from 120° at 10 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, scattered clouds at 3,000 ft, broken clouds at 8,000 ft, temperature 29°C, dew point 25°C, and an altimeter setting of 29.98 inches of mercury.
Wreckage and Impact Information
Due to the aftermath of Hurricane Maria and the closure of the San Juan FAA Flight Standards District Office, no detailed examination was performed. Photographs showed the airplane inverted in the grass between runway and taxiway. Structural damage was observed on the fuselage, empennage, and both wings. No fire occurred.
Medical and Pathological Information
The pilot died in the hospital the day after the accident. Autopsy attributed the cause of death to severe bodily trauma. Toxicological testing was negative for carbon monoxide and ethanol, and positive for emergency treatment medications atropine, midazolam, hydroxymidazolam, lidocaine, and sildenafil.
Additional Information
FAA Advisory Circular 90-23G, Aircraft Wake Turbulence, was referenced, outlining procedures for wake turbulence avoidance and pilot responsibilities when following larger aircraft.