Pilot Debrief

AVIAT AIRCRAFT INC A-1C-180 near Harrisonburg, VA — 2023-10-07

Final reportERA24LA005
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Date
2023-10-07
Location
Harrisonburg, VA, USA
Airport
SHD
Aircraft
AVIAT AIRCRAFT INC A-1C-180
Registration
N13BF
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate compensation for the prevailing wind conditions, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent runway excursion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was returning to his home airport, and prior to landing, he received an automated weather briefing noting a 90-degree crosswind that was from 320 degrees at 12 knots, with gusts. The runway in use was runway 05, and a preceding aircraft reported a direct crosswind. The initial approach and landing were uneventful. When the airplane touched down and all three wheels were on the ground, an unexpected gust of wind lifted the left wing and started pushing the airplane towards the right. The airplane exited the runway into the grass. The wind then lifted the tail of the airplane and it nosed over onto the vertical stabilizer. The fuselage and empennage of the airplane were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane, that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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