On August 1, 1995, a Boeing B75-A75N1 (registration N54284) operated by Stephen B. Maiman was involved in an aviation accident near Van Nuys, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing rollout in gusty crosswind conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A light airplane veered off the left side of runway 16R at Van Nuys Airport during landing rollout due to gusty crosswind conditions, resulting in a ground loop and wing contact with the ground.
What happened
During the landing rollout phase on runway 16R at Van Nuys Airport, the aircraft veered off the left side of the paved surface. The pilot lost directional control, causing the airplane to ground loop. As a result of this maneuver, the lower right wing struck the ground.
The pilot reported that maintaining the aircraft on the runway was difficult due to gusty crosswind conditions. Van Nuys Airport weather reports indicated local winds from 100 to 110 degrees at 10 knots. The pilot noted having a total of 9.3 hours of pilot-in-command experience in this specific type of airplane.
The investigation
Investigation findings focused on the operational circumstances surrounding the landing. The primary factor identified was the gusty crosswind which contributed to the loss of directional control during rollout. No mechanical failures were reported as contributing factors.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing rollout in gusty crosswind conditions.