No fatalities

2017-05-24: De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (N708PV) — Perris Valley Aviation (Skydive Perris) — Perris Valley, United States of America

Perris Valley, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On May 24, 2017, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration N708PV) operated by Perris Valley Aviation (Skydive Perris) was involved in an aviation accident near Perris Valley, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The prospective pilot's improper landing flare and the pilot's delayed remedial action to initiate a go-around, which resulted in a runway excursion. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781191869Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine turbine airplane bounced during landing, struck a fuel truck, and ground looped after a prospective pilot's improper flare and delayed go-around.

Accident Summary

On the eighth flight of the day providing skydiving services, a twin-engine turbine-powered airplane experienced a runway excursion during landing at an unspecified airport. The pilot reported that a prospective new hire pilot was occupying the right seat and flying the approach. During the landing flare, at approximately 15 feet above ground level and 200 feet south of the runway 15 threshold, the airplane suddenly dropped. The pilot believed wind shear caused the aircraft to slam onto the runway and bounce into the air with a right bank of 45 to 60 degrees.

Sequence of Events

Following the bounce, the prospective pilot stated, "you got it," and the pilot assumed control. The pilot initiated a go-around by increasing power, which exacerbated the deviation from the runway heading. The right wing then contacted the ground, causing the airplane to exit the runway to the right and collide with a fuel truck. The impact separated the right wing from the airplane. The collision also caused the pilot to unintentionally add maximum power. The airplane, with only the left engine operating, subsequently ground looped to the right and came to rest in a nose-down attitude.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause was determined to be the prospective pilot's improper landing flare and the pilot's delayed remedial action to initiate a go-around, which resulted in a runway excursion.