WACO UPF-7

Paso Robles, CA — March 11, 2013

Event Information

DateMarch 11, 2013
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberWPR13CA146
Event ID20130312X40107
LocationPaso Robles, CA
CountryUSA
Coordinates35.67278, -120.62695
AirportPaso Robles Municipal Airport
Highest InjuryMINR

Aircraft

MakeWACO
ModelUPF-7
CategoryAIR
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
None0
Total Injured1

Event Location

Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for crosswind conditions, which resulted in a loss of directional control during the landing roll.

Full Narrative

The pilot stated that he was performing touch-and-go landings in light and variable wind at 5 knots. During a landing roll, with the tail wheel on the runway, a puff of wind from the east caused the tail to swing around. The pilot added power in an attempt to regain directional control, when the right wing touched the runway and the airplane impacted a taxiway intersection sign. The airplane's wing spars were structurally damaged and the upper right wing tip was crushed. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact 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.

All Aviation Events More in CA