N321MW

Substantial
None

AMERICAN GENERAL ACFT CORP AG5S/N: 10105

Accident Details

Date
Monday, July 3, 2017
NTSB Number
GAA17CA379
Location
Rio Vista, CA
Event ID
20170702X33610
Coordinates
38.193889, -121.700836
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during a go-around in gusting wind conditions.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N321MW
Make
AMERICAN GENERAL ACFT CORP
Serial Number
10105
Year Built
1992
Model / ICAO
AG5

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
TOTH JOHN R
Address
2270 BACON ST
Status
Deregistered
City
CONCORD
State / Zip Code
CA 94520-2022
Country
United States

Analysis

The student pilot reported that, during his second low approach, the airplane was stable at 75 knots and full flaps, about 20 ft. above the ground. He added, that about 5 to 10 ft. above the ground, he applied full power and began to "slowly" retract the flaps. Encountering what he described as "wind shear," he reported that, the airplane became "vertical" and he lost directional control. He added that, he immediately banked to the right and applied full right rudder, subsequently, the airplane's left wing struck the ground. The airplane came to rest off the right side of the runway.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.

The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The student pilot reported checking the airport's automated weather observation system (AWOS), which was reporting wind from 120° at 12 knots, prior to the approach. He further reported the sky condition as clear, temperature 84°F, dewpoint 53°F, and wind gusts to 20 knots. The pilot selected runway 15.

As a recommendation, the student pilot reported that he should have avoided areas with gusts greater than 10 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# GAA17CA379