N91GB

Substantial
None

GARY W BETTIS HARMON ROCKET IIS/N: 064

Accident Details

Date
Monday, June 17, 2013
NTSB Number
WPR13CA276
Location
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Event ID
20130617X83150
Coordinates
38.893890, -119.995277
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 failure to maintain directional control during landing with a crosswind.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
GARY W BETTIS
Serial Number
064
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2011
Model / ICAO
HARMON ROCKET IIFK9
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
HARMON ROCKET II

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
BETTIS GARY W
Address
7520 SUTTERS MILL ST
City
BAKERSFIELD
State / Zip Code
CA 93313-4300
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that he contacted UNICOM as he approached the airport and was told that the gusting wind of 10 to 15 knots favored the southern runway. The first attempt to land resulted in a go-around due to an erratic and gusting right crosswind. During touchdown on the second attempt, the crosswind turned the airplane to the right. The pilot applied full left rudder, and was able to return the airplane to runway centerline. However, during the rollout, the airplane was again struck by the crosswind, and departed the runway surface and ground looped. The fuselage and left wing were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR13CA276