# NTSB CHI05CA126: Young Zodiac 601XL, N601AY, Mattoon, IL, May 22, 2005 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: May 22, 2005, 08:30 local (13:30 UTC) - Place: Mattoon, IL - Coordinates: 39.478054, -88.279167 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.4781&lon=-88.2792&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report September 13, 2005 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA-Springfield FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 61694 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI05CA126 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/61694/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI05CA126 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the landing flare resulting in an in-flight collision with the runway pavement. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, landing - flare/touchdown - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown - terrain condition - ground ## Analysis The amateur-built airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted the runway while landing. The accident occurred during the third flight of the experimental airplane. The pilot reported that he remained in the traffic pattern after takeoff with the intention of performing several stop-and-go landings. He stated that as he turned final he decided to approach at 90 miles-per-hour (mph) instead of the normal 80 mph approach speed. This was in order to evaluate the airplane's handling characteristics while in ground effect and during the landing flare. The pilot stated: "As I reached the [runway] numbers I reduced power slightly to begin my descent to the runway. The next thing I knew I had hit the runway." The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions of the aircraft related to the accident. Reported winds did not exceed 10 knots. ## Factual narrative On May 22, 2005, about 0830 central daylight time, an amateur-built Young Zodiac 601XL, N601AY, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when it impacted runway 29 (6,501 feet by 150 feet, concrete) while attempting to land at Coles County Memorial Airport (MTO), Mattoon, Illinois. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot reported no injuries. In his written statement, the pilot reported that the accident occurred during the third flight of the experimental airplane. He remained in the traffic pattern after take off with the intention of performing several stop-and-goes. He stated that as he turned final he decided to approach at 90 miles-per-hour (mph) instead of the normal 80 mph approach speed. He noted that he planned to evaluate the airplane's handling characteristics at the higher speed while in ground effect and during the landing flare. The pilot stated: "As I reached the [runway] numbers I reduced power slightly to begin my descent to the runway. The next thing I knew I had hit the runway." The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions of the aircraft. He noted that there were no issues with elevator control and that the airplane was within published weight and balance limits. The pilot reported winds from 290 degrees at 10 knots at the time of the accident. The MTO Automated Surface Observing System at 0753 recorded winds from 180 degrees at 6 knots. At 0853, the recorded winds were from 180 degrees at 7 knots. ## Aircraft - Registration: N601AY (not matched to a registry record) - Reported make and model: Young Zodiac 601XL - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 6-4759 - Airframe hours: 1.8 - Engines: Jabiru 3300A 120 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Departed: MTO, Matoon, IL - Airport: MTO, Coles County Memorial, runway 29, 6,501 × 150 ft, concrete ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 68; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review July 1, 2004; seat: left; flight hours: 143 total, 7 in this make and model, 104 as pilot in command, 7 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days, 0 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 180° at 7 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 59 °F - Altimeter: 29.89 inHg - Observed at: MTO From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.