Hard Landing: Cessna 310P, N46CH: Accident occurred July 20, 2018 at Malden Regional Airport (KMAW), Dunklin County, Missouri

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Saint Ann, Missouri

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms


Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

http://registry.faa.gov/N46CH

Location: Malden, MO
Accident Number: GAA18CA446
Date & Time: 07/20/2018, 1700 CDT
Registration: N46CH
Aircraft: Cessna 310
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Hard landing
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

The pilot reported that, while landing, the airplane "hit some turbulence," and it "felt like the bottom dropped out." Subsequently, the airplane landed hard.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing front spar.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot reported that the wind was light and variable. The automated weather observation system about 19 nautical miles from the accident site reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 220° at 7 knots, gusting to 15 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 18.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's improper landing flare in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing.

Findings

Aircraft
Landing flare - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Gusts - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing
Other weather encounter
Hard landing (Defining event) 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 70, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Lap Only
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Sport Pilot Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 07/20/2018
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 2500 hours (Total, all aircraft), 2500 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N46CH
Model/Series: 310 P
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1969
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 310P0146
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 6
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 11/09/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 5203 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 2 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 4946.9 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-470-V
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 260 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KPOF, 327 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 19 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2153 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 303°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 8000 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR): 
Wind Speed/Gusts: 7 knots / 15 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 220°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / Unknown
Altimeter Setting: 29.81 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 34°C / 22°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Birmingham, AL (BHM)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Sioux City, IA (SUX)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1100 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Malden Rgnl (MAW)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 294 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 18
IFR Approach:None 
Runway Length/Width: 5011 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Straight-in

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 36.600556, -89.992222 (est)