Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary WPR20CA093

Columbia, CA, USA

Aircraft #1

N462

Aviat A1

Analysis

The pilot reported that he was practicing crosswind landings on the grass runway. On the second landing approach and as the airplane crossed over the runway threshold, it encountered a wind gust and rolled right. The pilot applied full engine power to perform a go-around, but the airplane continued to roll right. The right wing struck the ground, and the airplane cartwheeled into an adjacent wooded area. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the forward fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

The private pilot reported that he had been practicing crosswind landings on the grass runway in the tailwheel equipped airplane. On the second landing approach, as the airplane crossed over the runway threshold, the airplane encountered a gust of wind and rolled to the right. The pilot applied full engine power in an attempt to perform a go-around, but the airplane continued to roll right. The right wing struck the ground, and the airplane cartwheeled into an adjacent wooded area. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the forward fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain bank control during landing in gusting wind conditions.

 

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