Aviat Aircraft Inc A-1C N331MA accident near Placerville, California

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing in gusty crosswind conditions.

NTSB analysis

The tailwheel endorsed pilot who was receiving additional instruction from an appropriately rated flight instructor acting as a safety pilot in the tailwheel equipped airplane reported, that during the landing roll before the tail settled to the runway, a gust of wind "pushed" the airplane to the right edge of the runway. He further reported that he attempted to abort the landing to avoid parked aircraft. Subsequently, the airplane impacted an airport perimeter fence during the aborted landing.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, the right aileron and the rudder.

The pilot reported that there were no pre impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

A review of the local weather on the airfield, about the time of the accident, recorded the wind from 180 degrees true, at 12 nautical miles per hour (knots), with gusts to 20 knots. The pilot landed runway 23.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA049 for the full record.