N52LK

Substantial
Minor

Sky International, Inc. A-1C-180S/N: 3086

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
NTSB Number
ERA11CA410
Location
Fryeburg, ME
Event ID
20110720X53837
Coordinates
43.991111, -70.947776
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing in gusty wind conditions.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
SKY INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Serial Number
3086
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2010
Model / ICAO
A-1C-180
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
A-1C-180

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
TRETTER NICHOLAS
Address
38 BIRCHWOOD DR
City
HOLDEN
State / Zip Code
MA 01520-1919
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot stated that he received a preflight weather briefing about 1.5 hours before departure, and the wind in the destination area was reported to be calm or from the south at 8 to 10 knots. He departed and proceeded to the destination airport, where he reported the windsock indicated a cross wind “…with variability.” He initiated an approach to runway 14 which seemed to have a tailwind component so he performed a go-around. He remained in the traffic pattern and initiated approach to runway 32. While on final approach he believed he had enough rudder but reported there must have been a gust. During landing the left wing raised and a ground loop began. The airplane veered to the right off the runway and came to rest upright. A surface weather observation taken at the accident airport approximately 54 minutes after the accident indicates the wind was variable from 190 to 250 degrees at 8 knots with gusts to 16 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# ERA11CA410