Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's inadequate aircraft handling procedure and failure to maintain directional control while landing in a known crosswind.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On May 12, 2001, about 1117 hours Pacific daylight time, an Aeronca 7DC, N4009B, owned and operated by the pilot, encountered a left crosswind during landing rollout at the Hollister Municipal Airport, Hollister, California. The airplane veered right off of runway 31, impacted a berm, and was substantially damaged. The private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the personal flight, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was performed under 14 CFR Part 91, and originated from Reid Hillview airport, San Jose, California, about 1045.
The pilot indicated that as he approached the airport traffic pattern he became aware that during landing he would encounter a left crosswind condition. The pilot estimated that the wind was from 240 degrees at 10 to 15 knots.
The pilot additionally reported that he landed with the airplane's left wing low to compensate for the left crosswind. However, as the airplane decelerated it yawed right. Despite all his efforts he lost directional control. Runway 31 is 6,350 feet long and 100 feet wide.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX01LA171