Aircraft excursion and post-crash fire following landing bounce

1 fatality • Sunriver, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft veered off the runway and struck a tree after a series of heavy bounces during a landing attempt led to engine failure and loss of control.

What happened

During a daytime flight under visual flight rules, the pilot attempted a full-stop landing. The aircraft initially made contact with the main landing gear near the approach end of the runway, but the impact caused the plane to lift off the ground again. Rather than performing a go-around immediately, the pilot tried to complete the landing sequence, which resulted in the aircraft bouncing on the runway surface three to four times. Each subsequent bounce became increasingly violent.

On the final touchdown, the force of the impact caused the right main landing gear actuator rod to fail. During this sequence, the right propeller struck the runway surface several times. The pilot eventually attempted a go-around; however, the propeller strikes caused the right engine to fail. This loss of power created asymmetrical thrust, causing the aircraft to roll toward the right and depart the runway. The right wing subsequently struck a tree, and the aircraft crashed into an open field, where it was destroyed by fire.

Findings

An inspection of the wreckage following the accident revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or airframe failures in either engine or the aircraft structure prior to the impact events.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to continue the landing attempt after an initial bounce led to repeated heavy impacts that caused engine failure and subsequent loss of directional control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2008-07-16 Cessna 441 Conquest accident near Sunriver, United States of America?

An aircraft veered off the runway and struck a tree after a series of heavy bounces during a landing attempt led to engine failure and loss of control.

Were there any fatalities in the 2008-07-16 Cessna 441 Conquest accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2008-07-16 involved a Cessna 441 Conquest, registration N441HK, operated by ProSoft Technology, at Sunriver, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to continue the landing attempt after an initial bounce led to repeated heavy impacts that caused engine failure and subsequent loss of directional control.

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