Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary LAX01LA170

Apex, NV, USA

Aircraft #1

N465C

Aviat A-1B

Analysis

The pilot landed his airplane on a dry lake bed. During rollout a wind gust and crosswind was encountered, he lost directional control, and the airplane ground looped. The pilot estimated that the wind was between 12 and 20 knots.

Factual Information

On May 11, 2001, about 1625 Pacific daylight time, an Aviat A-1B, N465C, ground looped during landing on the Apex dry lake bed, about 22 miles northeast of North Las Vegas, Nevada. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot, and it was substantially damaged. Neither the private pilot nor passenger was injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed during the personal flight that was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated from North Las Vegas about 1430. The pilot initially reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that during landing he encountered a 12- to 15-knot wind gust. In his subsequent written statement he reported that the wind was 15 to 20 knots. The pilot also reported that during the landing roll, a wind gust and right crosswind was encountered, which resulted in his losing control of the airplane. The pilot stated that his airplane "got away from me." No mechanical malfunctions were reported.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing rollout in a gusty and crosswind condition.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Get all the details on your iPhone or iPad with:

Aviation Accidents App

In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports