N29DY

Substantial
None

Westerhout/Gagnier EscapadeS/N: JAESC 012

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, May 21, 2009
NTSB Number
WPR09CA256
Location
Healdsburg, CA
Event ID
20090522X81451
Coordinates
38.630390, -122.889060
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and failure to maintain directional/lateral control during the initial climb.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
WESTERHOUT/GAGNIER
Serial Number
JAESC 012
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
EscapadeBPAT
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
ESCAPADE

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
MARLIN STEVE N
Address
6269 LEONA ST
City
OAKLAND
State / Zip Code
CA 94605-1219
Country
United States

Analysis

According to the pilot, he had completed an uneventful flight earlier in the day. On the accident flight, he performed an engine run-up, which included a magneto check with no mechanical anomalies encountered. He taxied to the active runway (runway 13), and noted the winds were light, about 5 knots from the south. The takeoff roll was normal, and they lifted off at 50 mph. After rotation, the airplane started a left bank for no apparent reason. The pilot did not pull back on the control stick; however, he attempted to align the airplane with the runway. He noted that the airplane did not respond to his input and continued in the left bank. The pilot also stated that the airplane had started a slight climb just prior to impacting a vineyard. After the initial contact with the vineyard, the airplane became airborne again and then dropped back into the vineyard. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane and he believes that the winds may have shifted to more of a south wind at the time of the loss of control event. Reported winds at the time were from 140 degrees at 5 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# WPR09CA256