LANCAIR COMPANY Columbia 400

Henderson, NV — March 5, 2017

Event Information

DateMarch 5, 2017
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberGAA17CA174
Event ID20170307X14358
LocationHenderson, NV
CountryUSA
Coordinates35.97278, -115.13445
AirportHENDERSON EXECUTIVE
Highest InjuryMINR

Aircraft

MakeLANCAIR COMPANY
ModelColumbia 400
CategoryAIR
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
None0
Total Injured2

Event Location

Probable Cause

The pilot’s improper decision to land the airplane with a gusting crosswind, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he and his passenger were cleared by tower for the approach to runway 17 Right (R). During landing, "a violent wind gust without warning hit the airplane." The pilot attempted to recover, "when a second violent wind gust hit the airplane causing a wing to hit the ground." The airplane's initial impact point was the left wing that impacted the safety area between runway 17 R and 17 Left (L), and just beyond taxiway Foxtrot. The airplane came to rest in the same safety area about 45° left of the initial impact point, and about 10 feet from runway 17 L. The airplane sustained substantial damage to runway left wing, the fuselage and the rudder.

The meteorological aerodrome report identified that the wind was out of 220° at the velocity of 31 kts. gusting to 38 kts. about the time of the accident.

According to the manufacturer's pilot operating handbook, the maximum demonstrated crosswind component is 23 kts.

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

About This NTSB Record

This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.

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