Page 55 - EAA78.Newsletter.Archives.(February.2017-July.2021)
P. 55
CHAPTER CHATTER, EAA Chapter 78 2
Think of landing as a three-step maneuver—approach,
level off and landing. Even with the perfect approach Student’s landing goes awry
speed, as you level the airplane off a few feet above
the runway in a slightly nose-high attitude, there will be The student pilot reported that the high-wing airplane in
some float due to ground effect, especially in a low- which she had received her initial flight training had
wing airplane like a Baron or an A36 Bonanza. The been sold, and she had transitioned to the low-wing
touchdown follows as you descend very slowly to Diamond DA-20.
where the ground rises up to meet you into a perfect
touchdown every time. This is basically the same
technique as a glassy water landing in floats—not sure She stated that she acquired 5.9 hours of flight training
where the water (runway) actually is? Level the in the low-wing airplane before she was authorized to
airplane off above it, slow the rate of descent to 50 fpm solo in that airplane.
and let the water (ground) come to you. Besides, if
you’re only 2 or 3 feet above the runway and the During the accident landing, she reported that “My
airplane stalls and drops in, who cares? It’s ready to final approach speed was a little higher than
land at that point. This technique is so good and recommended and the nose of the plane was
consistent it feels like cheating! pointed slightly left of the centerline upon landing.”
During the landing roll, she applied full back pressure
and stepped on the brakes hard, but was unable to
prevent the runway excursion at the airport in
Salisbury, Maryland.
After departing the runway to the left, the airplane hit a
ditch. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the
fiberglass fuselage structure.
Probable Cause: The student pilot’s loss of directional
control during the landing roll, resulting in a runway
excursion and collision with terrain.
And finally, watch other people land as often as you can. You’ll learn a NTSB Identification: GAA15CA155
lot from their techniques and mistakes!
This 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.
