On August 29, 2002, a Piper PA-22-160 (registration N3607Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Ruth, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions and failure to maintain control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing rollout, an aircraft encountered a 35-knot wind gust that lifted its tail, causing the pilot to lose control. The aircraft veered off the runway and nosed over.
Incident Details
The aircraft experienced a loss of control during landing rollout after encountering a 35-knot wind gust. According to the pilot, upon entering the airport's traffic pattern, the surface wind was noted as nearly calm. The approach to the runway proceeded without anything unusual occurring. After touchdown, the airplane encountered the wind gust, which lifted the tail. The pilot was unable to regain control, and the airplane subsequently veered off the runway and nosed over.
Pilot Information
The pilot did not indicate any mechanical problem with the airplane. He reported having flown the model of accident airplane for approximately 500 hours, including 6 hours during the preceding 90-day period.