# NTSB WPR15LA198: Cessna TU206F, N8424Q, Schafers Meadows, MT, June 23, 2015 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: June 23, 2015, 11:30 local (17:30 UTC) - Place: Schafers Meadows, MT - Coordinates: 48.074443, -113.24028 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.0744&lon=-113.2403&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Landing: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious, 2 minor - Status: Completed, report June 1, 2016 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Western Pacific Region - Parties: Continental Motors, Federal Aviation Administration, Textron Aviation - NTSB case key (mKey): 91419 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR15LA198 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/91419/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=91419 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15LA198 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll in variable and gusting wind conditions. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna TU206F, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=2073353), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna TU206F, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=2073353), [All aircraft, 3,958 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md) - [Wind: gusts](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna TU206F, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md?model=2073353), [All aircraft, 1,199 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md) - [Wind: variable wind](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034025): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna TU206F, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034025/cases.md?model=2073353), [All aircraft, 113 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034025/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: tree(s)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Cessna TU206F, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md?model=2073353), [All aircraft, 933 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Landing: Other weather encounter](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400); cases with it: [Cessna TU206F, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400/sequence.md?model=2073353), [All aircraft, 1,127 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400/sequence.md) - [Landing: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna TU206F, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=2073353), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md) - [Landing: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Cessna TU206F, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=2073353), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The airline transport pilot was transporting two passengers to a river for a float trip. The pilot reported that, during the approach, the airport's windsock indicated variable wind from the west, with the wind shifting directions, and that gusts filled the wind sock. During the final approach, the airplane experienced an extreme downdraft and touched down about midfield. The airplane began rolling down the runway, and the wind shifted. The airplane then lifted off the runway with a left yaw. The airplane settled back onto the runway, and the pilot attempted to stop the airplane; however, it exited the end of the runway and came to rest in trees. Postaccident examination of the engine and airframe revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. A weather study revealed that, about the time of the accident, wind was about 10 knots gusting up to 20 knots and that the wind direction was shifting. The cumulus clouds around the mountains and accident site likely increased the effects of the gusting wind conditions. The variable and gusting wind conditions likely contributed to the pilot's inability to maintain directional control of the airplane. ## Factual narrative On June 23, 2015 about 1130 mountain daylight time, a Cessna TU206F, N8424Q, impacted trees while attempting to land at Schafer USFS Airport (8U2) in Schafer Meadows, Montana. The airline transport pilot sustained serious injuries, and the two passengers sustained minor injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage throughout. The airplane was registered to Bear Hollow Aviation LLC and operated by Red Eagle Aviation under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations part 135. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that operated on a company visual flight rules flight plan. The pilot reported that the air was turbulent during the approach. The airport's wind sock indicated variable wind from the west, with the wind shifting directions and gusts to full wind sock. During the final approach, the airplane experienced an extreme downdraft and the airplane touched down about midfield. The airplane was rolling down the runway when the wind shifted to a tailwind; the airplane lifted off of the runway with a yaw to the left. The airplane settled back onto the runway and the pilot applied the brakes, but the airplane did not slow down. The airplane exited the end of the runway and came to rest in the trees. A witness reported seeing the airplane on short final flying faster than he saw over the previous days. The airplane landed about midfield in a 3-point configuration, and the airplane bounced about four times. After the final bounce, the airplane appeared to be veering left to right. The airplane exited the runway and rolled out of sight. During a post-accident examination of the airframe and engine there were no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The engine was removed from the airframe, and there was no evidence of catastrophic failure. Both of the magnetos remained attached to the engine; and the ignition harness was secured. The spark plugs were removed and displayed normal operating and combustion signatures. The inside of the cylinders were inspected and normal signatures were noted on the cylinder bores, piston faces, and valve heads. The propeller remained attached to the engine, and all three blades remained attached in the hub. Two blades were bent aft and the third blade was undamaged. When the propeller was rotated by hand the drive train rotated freely; thumb compression was obtained on all cylinders, and spark was observed on all ignition leads. The fuel pump was removed and rotated by hand; it operated normally and residual fuel was pumped out of the fuel pump. The fuel manifold valve and fuel metering unit were examined and no anomalies were noted. All fuel screens and nozzles were examined and were clear of debris. The oil filter was removed from the engine and the filter was clear of debris. The turbocharger system was examined and no anomalies were noted. A weather study revealed that the wind was around 10 knots with gusts up to 20 knots, and the wind direction was shifting in themountainous terrain. The cumulus clouds were around the mountains and accident site. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N8424Q](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8424Q-2018-07-09), registration cancelled 2018-07-09, S/N U20603284, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA TU206F - Registry model: [Cessna TU206F](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-tu206f) (registry code 2073353) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: U20603284 - Year built: 1976 - Airframe hours: 5682 - Engines: Continental Motors TSO-520 300 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Part 135 - Operator: Red Eagle Aviation - Registered owner: Bear Hollow Aviation LLC - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: 100 hour, August 12, 2014, 12 hours before - Departed: S27, Kalispell, MT - Destination: 8U2, Schafers Meadows, MT - Flight plan: Company VFR - Airport: 8U2, Schafer USFS Airport, runway 25, 3,200 × 60 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 64; injuries: serious; flight instructor, airline transport, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, without waivers/limitations; last flight review June 11, 2015; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 8,800 total, 3,900 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 160° at 8 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 43 °F - Altimeter: 30.05 inHg - Observed at: GPI, 43 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20150623008969A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20150623008969A), Jun 23, 2015: Cessna TU206F, Destroyed. Pilot stated the winds near the surface were erratic but not excessive. Stated he had to momentarily use full power on the approach to arrest a descent rate. ## Docket (7 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on April 14, 2016, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=91419. 16.5 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 257 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40438886&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Witness Statements (item 2, .PDF, 37 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40438887&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Witness%20Statements-Master.PDF - Record of Conversation - NTSB, Regarding Postaccident Airframe and Engine Examination (item 3, .PDF, 59 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40438888&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20-%20NTSB,%20Regarding%20Postaccident%20Airframe%20and%20Engine%20Examination-Master.PDF - Meteorology (item 4, .PDF, 894 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40438889&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Meteorology-Master.PDF - Reports from Parties to the Investigation - Continental Motors (item 5, .PDF, 68 photos, 10.4 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40438890&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Reports%20from%20Parties%20to%20the%20Investigation%20-%20Continental%20Motors-Master.PDF - Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation (item 6, .PDF, 3.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40438891&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Statement%20of%20Party%20Representatives%20to%20NTSB%20Investigation-Master.PDF - On Scene Photos Courtesy of Law Enforcement (item 7, .PDF, 4 photos, 1.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40438892&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=On%20Scene%20Photos%20Courtesy%20of%20Law%20Enforcement-Master.PDF 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.