N2516K

Substantial
Minor

LANCAIR COMPANY Columbia 400S/N: 41069

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, March 5, 2017
NTSB Number
GAA17CA174
Location
Henderson, NV
Event ID
20170307X14358
Coordinates
35.972778, -115.134445
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
2
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s improper decision to land the airplane with a gusting crosswind, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N2516K
Make
LANCAIR COMPANY
Serial Number
41069
Year Built
2005
Model / ICAO
Columbia 400

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
WITTMAN GERALD M
Address
3536 NORTHRIDGE CT
Status
Deregistered
City
APPLETON
State / Zip Code
WI 54914-6738
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that he and his passenger were cleared by tower for the approach to runway 17 Right (R). During landing, "a violent wind gust without warning hit the airplane." The pilot attempted to recover, "when a second violent wind gust hit the airplane causing a wing to hit the ground." The airplane's initial impact point was the left wing that impacted the safety area between runway 17 R and 17 Left (L), and just beyond taxiway Foxtrot. The airplane came to rest in the same safety area about 45° left of the initial impact point, and about 10 feet from runway 17 L. The airplane sustained substantial damage to runway left wing, the fuselage and the rudder.

The meteorological aerodrome report identified that the wind was out of 220° at the velocity of 31 kts. gusting to 38 kts. about the time of the accident.

According to the manufacturer's pilot operating handbook, the maximum demonstrated crosswind component is 23 kts.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident 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# GAA17CA174