1 fatality

2008-07-16: Cessna 441 Conquest (N441HK) — ProSoft Technology — Sunriver, United States of America

Sunriver, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On July 16, 2008, a Cessna 441 Conquest (registration N441HK) operated by ProSoft Technology was involved in an aviation accident near Sunriver, United States of America during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudged landing flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing, and the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the go-around after one of the airplane's propellers struck the runway. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781197315Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot experienced multiple bounces during landing, causing a propeller strike and right engine failure. The go-around resulted in a collision with a tree and a post-crash fire.

Incident Details

The pilot was performing a day visual flight rules full-stop landing. The airplane touched down on the main landing gear near the approach end of the runway. Shortly after initial touchdown, the airplane became airborne again. Instead of initiating a go-around, the pilot attempted to continue the landing sequence. During this attempt, the airplane bounced on the runway three or four times. Each rebound into the air and subsequent contact with the runway became more severe.

Impact and Failure

During the last contact, the airplane impacted the runway with sufficient force to cause failure of the right main landing gear actuator rod. The right propeller also struck the runway surface multiple times. The pilot then initiated a go-around. Because the right engine had failed due to the propeller strikes, the airplane produced asymmetrical thrust and began to roll to the right, veering off the right side of the runway.

Collision and Fire

Shortly after veering off, the right wing collided with a tree, and the airplane impacted terrain in an open field. The airplane was consumed by fire shortly after the collision. A post-crash inspection found no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction with the airframe or either engine.

Probable Cause

The probable cause, as determined by the investigation, was the pilot's misjudged landing flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing, and the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the go-around after one of the airplane's propellers struck the runway.