Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary LAX00LA046

SEDONA, AZ, USA

Aircraft #1

N3933E

Aeronca 11AC

Analysis

The pilot said he was making a normal approach to runway 3 after he received ASOS weather information from the airport, which stated that the winds were from 070 degrees at 5 knots. He said the approach was normal and the landing was smooth. Immediately after touchdown, a gust of wind caused the airplane to begin to ground loop. The airplane rotated 90 degrees to the left, departed the runway, and struck an electrical box with the right wing. The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.

Factual Information

On November 28, 1999, at 0830 hours mountain standard time, an Aeronca 11AC, N3933E, veered off the runway and collided with an electrical box while landing at the Sedona, Arizona, airport. The airplane, owned and operated by Chief Aerospace LLC, sustained substantial damage. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight when the accident occurred. The airplane was not on a flight plan, but visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight originated at Deer Valley airport at 0815, and was destined for the Sedona airport. The pilot said he made a normal approach to runway 03 after receiving the AWOS (automatic recorded weather information) that said the winds were from 070 degrees at 5 knots. He reported that his final approach proceeded smoothly and he touched down in a three-point attitude. He said that just after touchdown, a gust of wind caused the airplane to begin to ground loop. The airplane rotated 90 degrees to the left, departed the runway, and struck an electrical box with the right wing strut. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind conditions and subsequent failure to maintain directional control of the airplane.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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