Aviation Accident Summary GAA17CA287

Austin, NV, USA

Aircraft #1

N1111E

JOHNSON KENNETH W SUPER CUB SPORT

Analysis

The pilot reported that he had been practicing touch-and-go landings and short takeoffs and landings in gusting wind conditions. On the fourth landing, the airplane encountered a wind gust, and he lost directional control of the airplane. He attempted to go around, but the left wing struck desert brush, and the airplane spun to the left. The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, the rudder, and the horizontal stabilizer. Per the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented if, "in the wind conditions, I…[had] carried a little more airspeed to help with the gusts." The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

The pilot reported that he had been practicing touch and go landings along with short takeoffs and landings in gusting wind conditions. On the forth landing the airplane encountered a wind gust and he lost directional control of the airplane. He attempted to go-around but the left wing struck the desert brush and the airplane spun to the left. The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. Substantial damage was sustained to both wings, the rudder and the horizontal stabilizer. Per the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented by, "in the wind conditions, I should have carried a little more airspeed to help with the gusts." The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during landing in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a loss of directional control.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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