Pilot Debrief

AERONCA 7AC near Vinton, IA — 2018-05-28

Final reportGAA18CA317
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Date
2018-05-28
Location
Vinton, IA, USA
Airport
VTI
Aircraft
AERONCA 7AC
Registration
N84163
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in gusting tailwind conditions.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, after overflying the airport to determine the wind direction, she landed in variable crosswind conditions. During touchdown "at or near stall speed," the tailwheel-equipped airplane encountered a wind gust. She added that the airplane veered left and that she attempted to correct with immediate application of right rudder and right brake. Subsequently, the airplane exited the left side of the runway into the grass, and the right wingtip struck the ground. She added that she was able to taxi the airplane to park. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing, right wing spar, and right wing lift strut. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation system located at the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 140° at 11 knots, gusting to 18 knots. The pilot landed on runway 34.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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