20140816013719A

On August, 16, 2014, at approximately 0920 local time (1420 UTC), the airman, holder of an airline transport pilot certificate, was involved in an aircraft accident that occurred during landing at the Augusta municipal airport (3AU), Augusta, Kansas. The conventional-gear type airplane is owned and operated by the airman; flight operations were conducted in accordance with the provisions of 14 CFR part 91. According to the airman, and in conjunction with reports from witnesses and the local law enforcement agency, the airman was landing on runway 18 at 3AU upon the termination of a local VFR flight. VMC prevailed at the time of the accident; the mcconnell air force base (kiab), located 11 NM west-southwest of 3AU reported clear skies and surface winds from 240 degrees at 6 knots. The airman stated that the approach to runway 18 at 3AU was flown at approximately 60-65 mph; no aircraft anomalies were reported by the airman while established on final approach. A flap setting of 20 degrees was selected by the airman for landing; the post-incident inspection observed the flaps set to the first detent or approximately 10 degrees. Per the airman, several takeoffs and landings were performed by the airman prior to this landing at 3AU. During the landing, the airman stated that there was a slight crosswind from the southwest; a slight crab was established to correct for any drift. Prior to touchdown, the airman stated that the wing-low sideslip was initiated to ensure the longitudinal axis was aligned with the runway centerline with no additional side-loading. Per the airman?s statement, a three-point landing was attempted which resulted in a bounce upon touchdown; a second bounce ensued. The airman reiterated that the aircraft?s pitch attitude was held upon recovery from the first bounce to diminish excessive airspeed. Upon recovery from the second bounce, the airman stated that the aircraft immediately yawed left. Prior to this landing, the airman indicated that an attempt was made to further establish a sideslip to avoid any side-load imposed on the aircraft due to the crosswind. As the aircraft began yawing left and proceeding to vacate the east side of the runway into the grassy area, the airman stated that an attempt to execute a go-around was not considered due to the negative effects of torque. The aircraft subsequently vacated the runway in a continuous left turn, eventually stopping on an approximate 110 degree heading; the aircraft continued on this heading for approximately 30 ft at which time the aircraft began to nose over into the ground, eventually resting on the aircraft?s engine and propeller in a vertical position. The airman?s statement reiterated that the loss of control was not the result of any flight control or aircraft anomaly. The investigation revealed that the aircraft?s right wingtip displayed signatures of contacting the runway surface. In addition, the aircraft?s right main landing gear attachment point/gearbox sustained significant damage; the aircraft?s right main tire displayed chord-wise scoring on the outer/side portion of the tire. Both aircraft tires were symmetrical; excessive tread wear not observed. As the aircraft vacated the runway, the airplane subsequently nosed-over, eventually resting on the aircraft?s propeller spinner; aircraft?s longitudinal axis was perpendicular to the ground. As the aircraft decelerated and nosed-over, the left wing contacted the grassy surface resulting in substantial damage to the wing structure. Additionally, the aircraft?s firewall sustained significant and substantial damage as it came to rest on the propeller spinner. Flight control continuity was established during the post-accident investigation; all flight controls demonstrated freedom and accuracy of movement. The aircraft?s tailwheel structure and control cables did not display any anomalies contributory to this accident. Both the airman and passenger were uninjured.