N20342

Substantial
None

Schmidt RV7AS/N: 70204

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
NTSB Number
SEA06CA086
Location
Northport, WA
Event ID
20060525X00630
Coordinates
48.927501, -117.764442
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing flare/touchdown. Factors contributing to the accident included the gusty wind and soft terrain conditions which resulted in the aircraft nosing over during the landing roll.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N20342
Make
SCHMIDT
Serial Number
70204
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2003
Model / ICAO
RV7ARV7
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SCHMIDT STEVE
Address
PO BOX 470
Status
Deregistered
City
NORTHPORT
State / Zip Code
WA 99157-0470
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that while attempting to land on Runway 23, at about 20 feet above the ground and 200 feet from the end the runway, he experienced a strong gust of wind, which forced the airplane to the runway and the nose strut to fail. The pilot stated that as the airplane slowed and he exited the runway to the south side, soft ground was encountered, which resulted in the airplane nosing over. The pilot estimated the wind at the time of the accident was 220 degrees at 20 to 25 knots.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA06CA086