Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA20CA045

Buckeye, AZ, USA

Aircraft #1

N441B

AEROPRO CZ A220

Analysis

The pilot reported that, during landing, the airplane encountered crosswind gusts from the left, and he aborted the landing. The airplane drifted right over the runway edge, and the tailwheel struck brush. The airplane's airspeed decreased, and the left wing "dipped into the wind." The airplane touched down on the left main landing gear, and it collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during landing, the airplane encountered crosswind gusts from the left, and the pilot aborted the landing. The airplane drifted to the right and over the runways edge, and the tailwheel struck the brush off the right side of the runway. The airplane's airspeed decreased and the left wing "dipped into the wind." The airplane touched down on the left main landing gear and the landing gear collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was from 90° at 9 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 17. 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 directional control during an aborted landing with a crosswind, which resulted in tailwheel impacting vegetation and the left main landing gear collapsing.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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