N3579V

On July 3, 1999, about 1635 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Cessna 140 airplane, N3579V, sustained substantial damage while landing at the Sitka Airport, Sitka, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) local area personal flight when the accident occurred. The airplane was operated by the pilot. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated from the Sitka Airport about 1620.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), on July 3, 1999, the pilot reported he was practicing touch and go landings on runway 29. During the landing roll, the pilot said a 90 degree crosswind from the left lifted the left wing. He applied left aileron, and right rudder, but the tail of the airplane began to veer to the right, turning the nose of the airplane to the left. The airplane ground looped to the left, and the right wing struck the runway surface.

At 1648, an Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) from Sitka was reporting, in part: Wind, 205 degrees (magnetic) at 5 knots; visibility, 10 statute miles; clouds and sky condition, clear; temperature, 57 degrees F; dew point, 52 degrees F; altimeter, 29.81 inHg.

On July 9, 1999, the pilot notified the IIC that an inspection of the airplane revealed damage to the right wing spar, and the right gear attach point.

In the Pilot/Operator report (NTSB form 6120.1/2) submitted by the pilot, the pilot listed his aeronautical experience. He indicated he accrued 86 hours total time, with 33.2 hours as pilot-in-command, and 31.2 hours in the accident airplane make and model.