20 Jul 2011: Sky International, Inc. A-1C-180 — Laurence D. Ketner

20 Jul 2011: Sky International, Inc. A-1C-180 — Laurence D. Ketner

No fatalities • Fryeburg, ME, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing in gusty wind conditions.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot stated that he received a preflight weather briefing about 1.5 hours before departure, and the wind in the destination area was reported to be calm or from the south at 8 to 10 knots. He departed and proceeded to the destination airport, where he reported the windsock indicated a cross wind “…with variability.” He initiated an approach to runway 14 which seemed to have a tailwind component so he performed a go-around. He remained in the traffic pattern and initiated approach to runway 32. While on final approach he believed he had enough rudder but reported there must have been a gust. During landing the left wing raised and a ground loop began. The airplane veered to the right off the runway and came to rest upright. A surface weather observation taken at the accident airport approximately 54 minutes after the accident indicates the wind was variable from 190 to 250 degrees at 8 knots with gusts to 16 knots.

Contributing factors

  • cause Directional control — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Pilot

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 250/08kt, vis 10sm

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