Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary LAX96LA015

CRESCENT CITY, CA, USA

Aircraft #1

N6UN

PETRIK QUESTAIR VENTURE

Analysis

The pilot reported that the aircraft is very short-coupled and tends to oscillate laterally when lightly loaded. Just after touchdown the aircraft began to oscillate and the pilot lost directional control. The aircraft veered off the runway, encountered soft soil, and nosed over.

Factual Information

On October 19, 1995, at 1520 hours Pacific daylight time, a Petrik Questair Venture homebuilt experimental airplane, N6UN, nosed over in soft soil after veering off runway 29 while landing at Crescent City, California. The aircraft was owned and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft incurred substantial damage. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The flight originated at Crescent City on the day of the accident at 1440 as a local area personal flight. The pilot reported to FAA inspectors that the aircraft is very short coupled and tends to oscillate laterally when lightly loaded. Just after touchdown on runway 29 the aircraft began to oscillate and the pilot lost directional control. The aircraft veered off the runway, encountered soft soil, and nosed over. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions of the aircraft. According to FAA medical records, the pilot's third-class medical certificate was issued on the basis of a medical flight test due to the amputation of his left arm. The pilot reported that his recency of experience consisted of 23 hours in the previous 90-day period and 2 hours in the previous 30-day period.

Probable Cause and Findings

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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