Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing. A factor associated with the accident was the crosswind condition.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On November 11, 1995, at 1630 central standard time, a Forney F- 1 Aircoupe, N7515C, flown by a private pilot collided with the terrain following a loss of control on landing at the Estherville Municipal Airport, Estherville, Iowa. The 14 CFR Part 91 local flight was not operating on a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot was not injured. The local flight originated at 1530 cst.
The landing was being made on runway 16 (4,797'x 75'). The pilot stated she was correcting for the right crosswind and everything was normal until the flare. She stated that during the flare the crosswind "quit" and the airplane began to travel off the side of the runway. She stated a gust of wind then caught the right wing raising it. She reported she turned to the right in an attempt to lower the wing and the airplane traveled off the side of the runway where it came to rest on top of a 4 foot high embankment. Local winds were reported as 230 degrees at 8 knots.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI96LA033