Pilot Debrief

GARY W BETTIS HARMON ROCKET II near South Lake Tahoe, CA — 2013-06-17

Final reportWPR13CA276
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Date
2013-06-17
Location
South Lake Tahoe, CA, USA
Airport
TVL
Aircraft
GARY W BETTIS HARMON ROCKET II
Registration
N91GB
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing with a crosswind.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he contacted UNICOM as he approached the airport and was told that the gusting wind of 10 to 15 knots favored the southern runway. The first attempt to land resulted in a go-around due to an erratic and gusting right crosswind. During touchdown on the second attempt, the crosswind turned the airplane to the right. The pilot applied full left rudder, and was able to return the airplane to runway centerline. However, during the rollout, the airplane was again struck by the crosswind, and departed the runway surface and ground looped. The fuselage and left wing were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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