NTSB Factual Report

On August 7, 2002, at 1533 central daylight time, a Goode Acro Sport I, N65701, owned and piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged during a bounced landing on a grass area east of runway 36R at the Southern Illinois Airport (MDH), Carbondale, Illinois. The airplane approached from the south and landed to the north on the grass area. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot reported minor injuries. The flight departed from a private airstrip (LL39) three miles east of Macomb, Illinois.

The pilot stated that he was unable to land after two landing attempts on runway 36 due to what he reported as severe ground effect and wind gusts. He then attempted to land on a grass area adjacent to runway 36. It was the pilot's first landing on that area which was 1,000 feet by 75 feet. He described the grass area as "rough and ruddy." He stated that he got caught in a rut, bounced out, and was unable to recover control.

The recorded winds at the time of the accident were 030 degrees at 10 knots gusting to 16 knots.

MDH is served by runway 18L-36R (6,506 feet by 100 feet, asphalt), runway 06-24 (4,164 feet by 100 feet, asphalt), and runway 18R-36L (3,498 feet by 60 feet. asphalt).

The pilot, age 75, reported a total flight time of 6,000 hours of which 2 hours were in the accident airplane. The pilot reported receiving a biennial flight review in April 1999. He also reported receiving a second class medical certificate on 11/18/99 with no limitations.

NTSB Probable Cause

The unsuitable landing area selected by the pilot and his lack of total experience in the accident airplane. The gusting winds were a contributing factor.