Aircraft: Cessna 210. Injuries: None. Location: Marienthal, Kan. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot was attempting to land on a runway with a line of trees along side of it.
According to the pilot, the trees contributed to mechanical turbulence. The airplane encountered turbulence or a downdraft, which resulted in the airplane landing hard on its nose gear. The nose gear broke and the airplane nosed over on its back.
Probable cause: The pilot’s inadequate compensation for the wind during landing.
NTSB Identification: CEN12CA233
This April 2012 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
BJS says
There was no exaggeration. I was on autopilot at 5,500 feet and suddenly dropped at least 150 feet so the nose wheel didn’t quite touch. When I looked at the altimeter the autopilot had already begun to recover and we were still just a bit over 100 feet below altitude so I’m estimating a 150 foot drop; could have been more, could have been less.
BJS says
Someone please explain to me how one compensates for a sudden downdraft while in a flare?? I recently hit one at 5,5000 and we dropped at least 150 feet in a millisecond.
John Lillyston says
BJS, even allowing for the slight exaggeration, I believe you were badly affected by a downdraft in the flare, did you come down on the nosewheel?