Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot failed to maintain directional control after encountering a gust of wind during the landing roll. Factors were the unexpected wind gusts and the soft terrain adjacent to the runway.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On February 9, 2002, at 1221 Pacific standard time, a Great Lakes 2T-1A-1, N502GL, veered off the side of the runway and nosed over during landing at Montgomery Field, San Diego, California. The private pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot and one passenger were not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The personal local flight departed Montgomery Field about 1135. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.
The pilot stated that the accident occurred on his third landing. He said he made a good 3-point landing just past the numbers. During the landing roll as the airplane slowed to 5 to 10 mph, a gust of wind hit the tail and the airplane swerved. The airplane veered off the runway, a wheel dug into the dirt, and the airplane nosed over.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX02LA080