Probable cause
The airplane’s encounter with the wake turbulence of another aircraft.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while flying on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern in a single seat, tailwheel-equipped ultralight type airplane, he observed a Cessna airplane take off from the runway. When the Cessna was clear of the runway, the pilot conducted an uneventful wheel landing. During the landing roll, as the airplane approached the area where the Cessna lifted off, the airplane lifted off of the runway surface. The pilot applied full power but the airplane touched down hard, substantially damaging the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10CA431 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 8, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Davis, California
- Nearest airport
- Yolo County Airport (KDWA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
MINI-MAX 1600R
- N-number
- N71031
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.