NTSB Factual Report

On October 27, 2001, at 0950 central daylight time, a Cessna 170A tail wheel equipped airplane, N4127G, was substantially damaged when it collided with a Lake LA-4 airplane, N1139L, and terrain following a loss of control while landing at the Giddings-Lee County Airport, Giddings, Texas. Both airplanes were registered to and operated by their respective pilots. The private pilot of the Cessna 170A and his one passenger sustained minor injures. The private pilot of the Lake LA-4 and his one passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and flight plans were not filed for either of the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flights. The Cessna 170A had originated from the Covey Trails Airport, Fulshear, Texas, at 0900, and was destined for the Giddings-Lee County Airport. The Lake LA-4 was standing with the engine operating preparing to taxi for departure, at the time of the collision.

According to the pilot of the Cessna, ten miles from the airport he was advised that runway 17 was active and the wind was from 120 degrees at 3 knots. He stated that he had intended to make a full stop landing; however, while on final approach realized that he was too high. Subsequently, he executed a go-around. He then approached runway 17 a second time with the intent to execute a full stall landing. He stated that the second approach was " a little high." The main landing gear wheels touched down first, and the airplane "bounced, floated a little, and came down again." The airplane began to veer to the left of the runway centerline. The pilot applied full power; however, he was unable to regain directional control or attain a climb. Subsequently, the Cessna's right wing contacted the right wing of the Lake, which was parked with the engine running at the airport refueling facility. The Cessna then cartwheeled, impacted steel posts that surround the airport refueling facility, and came to a stop upright along an embankment.

The pilot of the Lake reported that when he first observed the Cessna, it was "bouncing wildly" and was traveling at a "high rate of speed." He also stated that when the Cessna bounced into the air, it sounded as if the pilot applied full power. The passenger of the Lake stated that when she saw the Cessna, "it appeared that the pilot had lost control of the airplane."

Three witnesses reported that the Cessna bounced during landing and exited the runway surface. They stated that it appeared as if the pilot initiated a go-around; however, the airplane "stalled," began to cartwheel, and came to a stop upright.

At 0953, the weather observation facility at the Easterwood Field Airport, College Station, Texas, (located 40 miles northeast of the accident site) reported a few clouds at 11,000 feet, visibility 10 miles, temperature 61 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 46 degrees Fahrenheit, wind from 070 degrees at 3 knots and an altimeter setting of 30.49 inches of Mercury.

According to the FAA inspector, who examined the airplanes, the right wing spar and fuselage of the Cessna were structurally damaged, and the propeller blades were bent. The right wing of the Lake was structurally damaged.

NTSB Probable Cause

the Cessna pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing, which resulted in a collision with another airplane.