CUBCRAFTERS INC CC11-160

Mammoth Lakes, CA — March 16, 2018

Event Information

DateMarch 16, 2018
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberGAA18CA169
Event ID20180316X61620
LocationMammoth Lakes, CA
CountryUSA
Coordinates37.62250, -118.83305
AirportMAMMOTH YOSEMITE
Highest InjuryNONE

Aircraft

MakeCUBCRAFTERS INC
ModelCC11-160
CategoryAIR
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionNBRT
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
None1
Total Injured0

Event Location

Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in a gusting crosswind conditions, which exceeded the airplane’s maximum demonstrated crosswind and resulted in the collapse of the left main landing gear.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the tundra tire and tailwheel-equipped airplane was making a night landing at a high-altitude airport. He reported that, to mitigate the crosswind component, he decided to land from right to left on the 100-foot-wide runway. He added that the wheel landing was normal, but the airplane would not return to centerline from the left side of the runway. He added power to go around, but the left main wheel sheared off, and the airplane ground looped to the right.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and empennage.

A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 220° at 19 knots, gusting 31 knots. The airplane landed on runway 27.



The airplane's operating handbook stated that the maximum demonstrated crosswind component was 13 mph/11 knots. The calculated crosswind component using steady winds is 15 knots, using gust winds is 24 knots.

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.

All Aviation Events More in CA