Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing rollout in a gusty and crosswind condition.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On May 11, 2001, about 1625 Pacific daylight time, an Aviat A-1B, N465C, ground looped during landing on the Apex dry lake bed, about 22 miles northeast of North Las Vegas, Nevada. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot, and it was substantially damaged. Neither the private pilot nor passenger was injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed during the personal flight that was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated from North Las Vegas about 1430.
The pilot initially reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that during landing he encountered a 12- to 15-knot wind gust. In his subsequent written statement he reported that the wind was 15 to 20 knots. The pilot also reported that during the landing roll, a wind gust and right crosswind was encountered, which resulted in his losing control of the airplane. The pilot stated that his airplane "got away from me." No mechanical malfunctions were reported.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX01LA170