On 24 Apr 2008, an Aviat A-1C-200 operated by GJ Hangar, LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Bluff, UT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to slow the airplane sufficiently during the landing roll, resulting in an overrun. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During landing roll on a 1,000-foot remote dirt airstrip, gusting winds distracted the pilot, who failed to slow enough. The airplane overran, struck rocks, and flipped upside down, damaging the vertical stabilizer and left lift struts.
Accident Sequence
The accident occurred during the landing roll at a remote dirt airstrip measuring 1,000 feet in length. The pilot encountered gusting winds that varied in direction. While focusing on compensating for the unfavorable wind conditions, the pilot did not reduce the airplane's speed sufficiently to ensure it could stop before reaching the end of the strip. As a result, the airplane overran the airstrip's end.
After overrunning, the airplane impacted a number of large rocks, causing it to flip over onto its back.
Damage
The accident sequence resulted in damage to the top of the vertical stabilizer. Additionally, both lift struts on the left side of the airplane sustained a permanent bend.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to slow the airplane sufficiently during the landing roll, resulting in an overrun.