On January 28, 1998, an Aviat A-1 (registration N503MZ) was involved in an aviation accident near Buena Vista, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. Factors were the crosswind changing to a tailwind, and the pilot's lack of experience in the type of aircraft. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a familiarization flight in an Aviat A-1, the pilot experienced a hard landing, aborted, then encountered a shifting wind causing the aircraft to depart the runway and collide with a tree.
Incident Overview
A pilot with considerable flight experience but limited time in the Aviat A-1 was conducting a flight to practice takeoffs and landings and become more familiar with the airplane. The landing was attempted on runway 15. The wind was reported from 230 degrees at 10 knots, resulting in a right crosswind condition.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, the touchdown was described as "a bad touch down." He added power to abort the landing. As the airplane became airborne, the wind shifted to a quartering tailwind. The aircraft subsequently settled back onto the ground and departed the left side of the runway.
Final Position
After leaving the runway, the airplane went down a hill and collided with a tree. No further details about injuries or damage were provided in the source.