N594VZ

Substantial
None

AIRBORNE WINDSPORTS PTY LTD XT-912S/N: XT-912-183LSA

Accident Details

Date
Monday, June 15, 2009
NTSB Number
CEN09CA362
Location
Alamogordo, NM
Event ID
20090616X45722
Coordinates
32.839721, -105.990554
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control while landing with gusting winds.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
AIRBORNE WINDSPORTS PTY LTD
Serial Number
XT-912-183LSA
Engine Type
4-cycle
Year Built
2007
Model / ICAO
XT-912
Aircraft Type
Weight Shift Control
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
XT-912

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
KNOPP KEVIN M
Address
12284 E NUNN RD
City
ATHOL
State / Zip Code
ID 83801-9310
Country
United States

Analysis

The sport pilot was performing a touch-and-go landing on runway 03. The pilot had checked weather conditions approximately 15 minutes prior, and the winds were from 360 degrees at 11 knots gusting to 20 knots. During this landing, the winds were reported to be from 360 degrees at approximately 8 knots. The pilot decided to angle his landing on the runway approximately 20 degrees, since the weight-shift airplane did not require a long ground run. Upon touchdown, a gust of wind pushed the airplane off the side of the runway. The pilot corrected back to the runway and attempted to takeoff. Another gust of wind lifted one side of the wing resulting in a loss of directional control. The weight-shift airplane rolled inverted before coming to rest on the runway. Substantial damage was sustained to the fabric wing, wing spars, and suspension cables.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN09CA362