Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during landing in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a loss of directional control.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that he had been practicing touch and go landings along with short takeoffs and landings in gusting wind conditions. On the forth landing the airplane encountered a wind gust and he lost directional control of the airplane. He attempted to go-around but the left wing struck the desert brush and the airplane spun to the left. The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. Substantial damage was sustained to both wings, the rudder and the horizontal stabilizer.
Per the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented by, "in the wind conditions, I should have carried a little more airspeed to help with the gusts."
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# GAA17CA287