No fatalities

2005-06-04: De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (N3434) — AerOhio Skydiving Center — Rittman, United States of America

Rittman, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On June 4, 2005, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration N3434) operated by AerOhio Skydiving Center was involved in an aviation accident near Rittman, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper flare and recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a stall and subsequent impact with the ground. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781199560Data APIEditorial standards

During a pilot evaluation flight, the aircraft experienced a hard landing and bounced. The pilot aborted the landing, but the aircraft stalled and impacted the ground.

Flight Purpose

The flight was conducted for a pilot evaluation. The second pilot was assessing the first pilot, who had recently been designated as a backup pilot by the operator.

Sequence of Events

After several successful flights with and without passengers, the pilots discussed single-engine operations. The first pilot reduced the right engine's power to flight idle and feathered the propeller.

During the final leg of the approach to landing, the airplane crossed over a fence near the runway threshold. The first pilot pitched the airplane downward. The nose landing gear contacted the runway "hard," and the airplane began to bounce.

After several bounces, the first pilot elected to abort the landing and increased power on the left engine to "full." As the first pilot pitched the airplane upward, it yawed to the right, "stalled," and impacted the ground.

Probable Cause

The pilot's improper flare and recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a stall and subsequent impact with the ground.