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Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Hard Landing and Crosswind Encounter During Familiarization Flight (N503MZ)

Buena Vista, CO, US

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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Jan 1998 Aviat A-1 accident near Buena Vista, CO?

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.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Jan 1998 involved an Aviat A-1, registration N503MZ, at Buena Vista, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09439. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.