The Aviat Aircraft A1B pilot reported that after touchdown on a grass airstrip in LaGrange, Wyo., the landing roll was normal for about 100 feet, but then the plane came to an abrupt stop, like it had hit something.
It nosed over, substantially damaging the rudder and wings and minor injuries to the pilot.
The pilot and ranch personnel inspected the landing area and followed the airplane’s tracks back toward the point of touchdown. They found a large hole, likely dug by an animal, approximately 24 inches deep, and in line with the airplane’s right tire track.
The pilot said he did not see the hole when flying downwind, nor on the base leg, or final approach.
The NTSB determined the probable cause as the pilot’s decision to land on a rough surface with hidden obstructions.
NTSB Identification: WPR14CA047
This November 2013 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.
This is one of the sloppiest and laziest probable cause statements in history! The supervisor in turn, rubber stamped this sham of a report. Perhaps the NTSB railroad investigators could do a better job.
There is no way this pilot could have seen the hole during a low pass. NTSB erred in attributing probable cause on the pilot.
They admit the hole was hidden, but blame the pilot anyway? I sometimes wonder if some of these folks at the NTSB have ever even seen an airplane.
Seems they always want to blame the pilot. They should have blamed it on the animal that dug the hole.
I suppose this way they’re encouraging pilots to be more proactive, such as to do a low pass if they’re not sure, versus giving the impression that it’s just based on luck. But in this case, it does seem unfair to blame the pilot for landing on a surface with HIDDEN obstructions, versus seeing obvious obstructions and choosing to land anyway.
You’re right! The unknown animal should be charged with a Federal offense.