Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA17CA240

Wenatchee, WA, USA

Aircraft #1

N661RP

PARLETTE ROBERT L GLASTAR

Analysis

The pilot of the tundra-tire-equipped, tailwheel airplane reported that the airplane landed hard and "bounced pretty good." He applied power to go around, but during the crosswind turn, a downdraft pushed the airplane to the ground. Subsequently, the airplane impacted trees. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and both wings. After multiple requests, the pilot did not return the National Transportation Safety Board Form 6120.1 Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report. A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 15 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 170° at 7 knots, gusting to 16 knots. It is unknown which direction the airplane was landing.

Factual Information

The pilot of the tundra tire–equipped, tailwheel airplane reported that, the airplane landed hard and "bounced pretty good". He applied power to go-around, but during the crosswind turn, a downdraft pushed the airplane to the ground, and subsequently the airplane impacted trees. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and both wings. After multiple requests, the pilot did not return the National Transportation Safety Board Form 6120.1 Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report as requested. A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station, located on the airport, reported that about 15 minutes before the accident the wind was from 170° at 7 knots, gusting 16 knots. It's unknown which direction the airplane was landing.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s improper landing flare and subsequent failure to adequately compensate for gusting wind conditions during a go-around.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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