Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout while landing in a crosswind which resulted in the airplane inadvertently veering off the runway and incurring damage when the pilot forced it into a ground loop to avoid entry into the water.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On August 8, 2002, about 1410 eastern daylight time, an Aviat Aircraft Inc. A1, N13HU, registered to and operated by Cruiser Of Florida Inc., as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 banner towing flight, veered off the runway while landing at Merritt Island, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The commercial-rated pilot received no injuries, and the airplane incurred substantial damage. The flight originated from Merritt Island, the same day, about 1230.
The pilot stated that he had just landed the airplane in a strong crosswind, and during the landing rollout it veered to the right. He further stated that as the airplane veered, he attempted to apply left brake control input to maintain directional control but he could not get sufficient braking effect. He said that the airplane was getting close to the water during the rollout so he forced it into a ground loop to avoid entry into the water, and the left wing contacted the ground, and was damaged. The pilot stated that the airplane had been damaged two previous times, and it may have been rigged incorrectly, but added that he had flown it for over 500 hours since, and it had always been difficult to handle in a crosswind.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA02LA156