History of the Accident
On November 4, 2020, at approximately 14:50 LT, a private pilot departed from Ghindari Airfield in a Cessna 182T, registration N250EW, for a VFR flight to Gheorgheni, Miercurea Ciuc, and return. After conducting four landings and take-offs at Gheorgheni (three touch-and-go and one full stop), the pilot continued toward Miercurea Ciuc and Ghindari. During the return, near Sovata, he disengaged the autopilot, listened to ATIS, and communicated with Târgu-Mureş Tower. Approaching Ghindari, he reported his intention to land.
While performing an approach to runway 22, the pilot configured the aircraft for landing and reduced engine speed. He later stated that he perceived being too low, attempted to correct the approach slope, but misjudged his height due to flying toward the Sun. The aircraft touched down in the runway threshold area on relatively rugged, water-soaked terrain. The front landing gear leg failed upon contact. The aircraft traveled approximately 30–40 m, deviating left, and came to rest in a drainage ditch on the left edge of the runway. An airfield surveillance camera recorded the event.
Additional Information
Pilot Information
- Male, 53 years old
- Valid PPL(A) license
- Valid Class 2/LAPL medical certificate
- Total flight experience: 315 flight hours
Aircraft Information
- Manufacturer: Cessna Aviation
- Model: Cessna 182T
- Serial No.: 18283106, year 2020
- Total flight hours: 68
- Registration: USA / N-250EW
- Owner: Private
- Engine: Lycoming /L/37464-48E
- Propeller: Three-blade McCauley, 79 inches
- Avionics: Full glass cockpit
Airfield Information
- Ghindari Airfield: private, grass runway 470 m long, 30 m wide, orientation 04/22
- Elevation: 1279 ft (389.8 m)
- Located 40 km east of Târgu-Mureş Airport, outside control area but at the limit of Cluj-Napoca TMA
Meteorological Information
At the time of the accident (14:20 UTC), METAR from Târgu-Mureş showed variable wind 2 kt, visibility 10 km, few clouds at 3200 ft, temperature 14°C, dew point 8°C, pressure 1024 hPa. The weather was not a factor in the accident.
Analysis
Using airfield surveillance footage, the investigation commission analyzed the aircraft's final approach. The aircraft had fully extended flaps and minimal engine power. The approach slope was shallow, resulting in a low touchdown speed near the flight speed limit. The initial ground contact was hard, causing the aircraft to bounce. The second contact occurred with the right main gear, then the left, and when the nose gear touched, it broke. The aircraft continued on the main gear and engine cowling, veered left, and stopped in the drainage ditch.
Regarding the pilot's statement about being disturbed by the Sun, the commission examined the Sun's position: on November 4, 2020, at 16:20 LT (14:20 UTC) at the accident site, the Sun's azimuth was 240° and elevation +5°. The landing direction was 220°. The Sun was positioned forward and slightly right of the pilot, but its elevation was below the surrounding relief. The commission concluded that the Sun's position did not affect pilot vision during the final landing.
Conclusions
Findings
1. The pilot held a valid PPL(A) license and medical certificate. 2. The aircraft had a valid registration certificate. 3. At the time of the accident, the Sun's azimuth was 240°, elevation +5°, landing direction 220°, and the Sun was below the elevation of the surrounding relief. 4. The Sun's position did not influence the pilot's abilities during landing. 5. The touchdown area was soft and slightly rugged.
Cause of the Accident
The probable cause of the accident is the erroneous assessment of the recovery height dur
Damage
- Broken nose landing gear
- Damaged propeller blades
- Engine cowling damaged during movement
- Pilot not injured