N1916Z

Substantial
None

Darren M. Vinelli Sopwith PUPS/N: 001

Accident Details

Date
Monday, November 26, 2018
NTSB Number
GAA19CA075
Location
Rio Vista, CA
Event ID
20181126X63346
Coordinates
38.193332, -121.703613
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusting tailwind conditions.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
DARREN M. VINELLI
Serial Number
001
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
Sopwith PUPBPAT
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
1
FAA Model
SOPWITH PUP

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
VINELLI DARREN
Address
177 E TOWNHOUSE CT
City
SALT LAKE CITY
State / Zip Code
UT 84115-3858
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during landing, the airplane encountered a variable crosswind gust and the left wing lifted. He was able to keep the airplane on the runway and established a landing roll. The ground speed was about 20 miles per hour and the airplane encountered another wind gust. The airplane weathervaned to the left and exited the left side of the runway, rolled into mud and nosed over.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder.

The pilot reported that the wind at the time of the accident was variable at 5 knots and gusting to 8 knots.

The METAR at the nearest airport was about 12 miles to the west of the accident site, and reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was out from 02 at 6 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 25.

The pilot reported that there were no 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# GAA19CA075