GARY W BETTIS HARMON ROCKET II
South Lake Tahoe, CA — June 17, 2013
Event Information
| Date | June 17, 2013 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR13CA276 |
| Event ID | 20130617X83150 |
| Location | South Lake Tahoe, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 38.89389, -119.99528 |
| Airport | LAKE TAHOE |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | GARY W BETTIS |
| Model | HARMON ROCKET II |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing with a crosswind.
Full 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.
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.