5 Apr 2022: CESSNA TU206F (N858JA) — Marlin, TX

2 fatalitiesMarlin, TX, United States

A pipeline inspection flight ended in a fatal accident when a Cessna TU206F bounced during landing and subsequently entered a rapid descent.

What happened

On April 5, 2022, a Cessna TU206F, registration N858JA, was conducting a pipeline inspection flight from Houston Executive Airport toward Waco, Texas. After performing maneuvers over the pipeline area, the pilot contacted Waco Approach Control to announce an intention to land at Marlin Airport (T15).

During the landing on runway 17, the aircraft touched down just past the approach end of the runway and bounced back into the air. The airplane subsequently touched down a second time in the grass on the right side of the runway, striking a runway light. The aircraft then veered back onto the runway, crossed the runway, and departed the left side of the runway. GPS data indicated the airplane became airborne a third time, climbing to approximately 75 feet above ground level before entering a rapid descent. The aircraft impacted trees and terrain in a near-vertical attitude.

The accident resulted in 2 fatal injuries to the pilot and the pilot-rated observer.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during the landing phase for reasons that could not be determined from the available information.

Contributing factors

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained