Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's inadequate compensation for unfavorable (variable) wind conditions, and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. The wind condition and proximity of a hangar were related factors.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On June 21, 1997, at 0700 eastern daylight time, a Taylorcraft DCO-65, N47282, was substantially damaged during landing at the Mallory Airport (WV12), Charleston, West Virginia. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight that originated at WV12, about 0650. No flight plan was filed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
In a written statement, the pilot reported:
"I was approaching to land at Mallory Airport over Rock Lake. I slipped to the left to [lose] altitude and get on the center line. The aircraft touched down while still moving sideways and touched the left wing tip on the ground. This pulled the aircraft to the left and I applied right rudder to correct. The aircraft then left the runway to the right and impacted a half-built hanger."
The weather reported at Charleston International Airport, 7 miles east of WV12, was calm wind and clear sky above some ground fog with 5 miles visibility.
In a written statement, the pilot reported there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC97LA146