Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CEN09CA352

Marfa, TX, USA

Aircraft #1

N391C

AVIAT AIRCRAFT INC A-1A

Analysis

The private pilot was using his single-engine airplane to conduct an aerial survey of his ranch when he noted a trough that was overflowing. He elected to land at the nearby 1,100-foot-long dirt airstrip so that he could fix the water problem. During landing, the pilot encountered a gust of wind and the airplane bounced, traveling beyond the point where an aborted landing could be safely achieved due to a row of power lines. The pilot first applied brakes, which caused the tail to rise, but not enough to slow the airplane down to a full stop. He then applied full brakes, subsequently flipping the airplane over and resulting in damage to both wings and the vertical stabilizer.

Factual Information

The private pilot was using his single-engine airplane to conduct an aerial survey of his ranch, when he noted a trough that was overflowing. He elected to land at the nearby 1,100-foot-long, dirt airstrip so he could fix the water problem. During landing, the pilot encountered a gust of wind and the airplane bounced, traveling beyond the point where an aborted landing could be safely achieved due to a row of power lines. The pilot first applied brakes, which caused the tail to rise, but the not enough to slow the airplane down to a full stop. So, he then applied full brakes which subsequently flipped the airplane over resulting in damage to both wings and the vertical stabilizer.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain control while landing in gusty winds.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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