CESSNA R182RG

Albuquerque, NM — June 22, 2010

Event Information

DateJune 22, 2010
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberCEN10CA341
Event ID20100624X25616
LocationAlbuquerque, NM
CountryUSA
Coordinates35.04028, -106.60917
AirportAlbuquerque Intl. Sunport
Highest InjuryNONE

Aircraft

MakeCESSNA
ModelR182RG
CategoryAIR
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
None3
Total Injured0

Event Location

Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to lower the landing gear. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's distraction with an erroneous airspeed indicator.

Full Narrative

According to the pilot's accident report, during the initial climb from Albuquerque Sunport (ABQ), New Mexico, he noticed the airspeed indicator was erratic and not indicating a normal climb speed. After leveling off, the indicated airspeed was 70 to 80 knots. He compared this with the GPS (Global Positioning System) ground speed and noticed a "significant difference." Later, while circling a house, the airspeed "went to zero knots." The pilot returned for landing at ABQ. He said he mentally went through the GUMPs (gas, undercarriage, mixture prop) checklist but was distracted by the airspeed indicator and radio traffic. As he flared for landing and reduced power, he heard a horn sounding and mistook it for the marker beacon alert. The airplane landed wheels up. A post-accident examination revealed the airplane's fuselage skin and U-shaped former (where the lift struts attach) were ground down, necessitating replacement. An examination of the pitot tube showed it was plugged with insects.

About This NTSB Record

This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.

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