Aircraft damage during test flight at San Marcos Airport

No fatalities • San Marcos, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

A twin-engine aircraft sustained heavy damage following a hard landing during a local test flight at San Marcos Airport.

What happened

During a scheduled manufacturer test flight at San Marcos Airport, a twin engine airplane was performing several circuits as part of a local evaluation. While the copilot was managing the controls during a new approach, the aircraft failed to level off correctly. This resulted in a hard landing on the runway.

Despite the impact, all four occupants were able to exit the aircraft without sustaining any injuries. The aircraft itself suffered damage that rendered it a total loss.

Findings

Investigations into the incident identified that the primary cause of the accident was an improper level off during the final approach phase. This error occurred while the copilot was at the controls. Additionally, the findings noted that there was inadequate supervision of the flight operations by the pilot-in-command.

Probable cause

The hard landing resulted from a failure to properly level off the aircraft and insufficient oversight by the pilot-in-command.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1981-03-24 Swearingen SA226T Merlin III accident near San Marcos, United States of America?

A twin-engine aircraft sustained heavy damage following a hard landing during a local test flight at San Marcos Airport.

Were there any fatalities in the 1981-03-24 Swearingen SA226T Merlin III accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1981-03-24 involved a Swearingen SA226T Merlin III, registration N1011R, operated by Fairchild Aircraft Corporation, at San Marcos, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The hard landing resulted from a failure to properly level off the aircraft and insufficient oversight by the pilot-in-command.

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