On February 17, 1992, an Aeronca 7AC (registration N82380) operated by Diment, Archie G. was involved in an aviation accident near Sitka, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll due to a gust of crosswind, which resulted in the airplane departing the runway and sustaining substantial damage. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot lost directional control during the landing roll due to a gust of crosswind, causing the aircraft to depart the runway and strike rocks.
What happened
The pilot, holding an airline transport certificate and flight instructor rating, was conducting a landing operation when he encountered adverse weather conditions. During the landing roll, a gust of crosswind struck the aircraft, causing the pilot to lose directional control. The airplane subsequently ground looped, departing from the side of the runway.
After leaving the paved surface, the aircraft descended down an embankment and impacted rocks on the terrain below. This impact resulted in substantial damage to the airframe and components.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the loss of control during the landing roll. The pilot's statement indicated that the primary factor was the sudden gust of crosswind which exceeded his ability to maintain directional control with the available rudder input or braking techniques.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll due to a gust of crosswind, which resulted in the airplane departing the runway and sustaining substantial damage.