On October 11, 1991, a Luscombe 8A (registration N2015B) operated by Gregory D. Waters was involved in an aviation accident near Rawlins, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll due to a gust of wind, which resulted in the aircraft leaving the runway and striking a ditch. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A gust of wind during the landing roll lifted the left wing, causing the aircraft to swing off the runway edge. The pilot's attempt to go around resulted in the main gear striking a ditch, leading to a ground loop and an inverted rest.
What happened
During the landing roll, a gust of wind from the left lifted the left wing and swung the nose of the airplane to the left. The pilot was able to level the wings; however, the aircraft travelled off the edge of the runway. The pilot attempted to go-around; however, the main landing gear caught on a ditch. The airplane ground looped and came to rest inverted.
The investigation
No mechanical examination details were provided in the source text.
Findings
The primary factors contributing to the accident were the gust of wind that disrupted the aircraft's alignment during the landing roll and the subsequent loss of directional control. The pilot's decision to attempt a go-around after leaving the paved surface resulted in the main landing gear striking a ditch, which caused the ground loop and final inverted position.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll due to a gust of wind, which resulted in the aircraft leaving the runway and striking a ditch.
What happened in the 11 Oct 1991 Luscombe 8A accident near Rawlins, WY?
A gust of wind during the landing roll lifted the left wing, causing the aircraft to swing off the runway edge. The pilot's attempt to go around resulted in the main gear striking a ditch, leading to a ground loop and an inverted rest.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 11 Oct 1991 involved a Luscombe 8A, registration N2015B, operated by Gregory D. Waters, at Rawlins, WY.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll due to a gust of wind, which resulted in the aircraft leaving the runway and striking a ditch.
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