Tuesday, June 09, 2020

Cessna 120, N72536: Accident occurred May 23, 2020 in Gulkana, Alaska




Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Gulkana, Alaska
Accident Number: ANC20CA054
Date & Time: May 23, 2020, 19:00 Local
Registration: N72536
Aircraft: Cessna 120 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Collision during takeoff/land
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot reported that while landing at an unimproved airstrip, his airspeed on final approach was too fast, and he decided to perform a go-around. During the go-around, the left main tire struck trees at the departure end of the airstrip and the airplane subsequently descended into the brush and trees. The right wing and right elevator sustained substantial damage. The pilot stated there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot stated that the accident may have been prevented if he had been more aware of his limitations and the airplane's performance limitations.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed during final approach to landing, and his subsequent failure to attain sufficient altitude to clear trees during an attempted go-around. 

Findings

Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot
Aircraft Airspeed - Related operating info
Aircraft Altitude - Not attained/maintained
Personnel issues Fatigue due to work schedule - Pilot
Personnel issues Visual function - Pilot

Factual Information

History of Flight

Approach-VFR go-around Collision during takeoff/land (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private 
Age: 41,Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Lap only
Instrument Rating(s): None 
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: February 25, 2020
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: (Estimated) 198.3 hours (Total, all aircraft), 178.6 hours (Total, this make and model), 16.7 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 6.5 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 3.5 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 
Registration: N72536
Model/Series: 120 No Series
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1946 
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal 
Serial Number: 9706
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel 
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: May 18, 2020 Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1451 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 5963 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: C85- 12F
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 85 Horsepower
Operator: On file 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC) 
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PAGK,1562 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 17 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 02:53 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 264°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 9500 ft AGL
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 8 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /
Wind Direction: 230° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /
Altimeter Setting: 29.51 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 16°C / 2°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Gulkana, AK (GKN)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Gulkana, AK 
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time:
Type of Airspace: Class G

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 62.189998,-144.87583(est)

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