17 Jun 2013: GARY W BETTIS HARMON ROCKET II

17 Jun 2013: GARY W BETTIS HARMON ROCKET II — Unknown operator

No fatalities • South Lake Tahoe, CA, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing with a crosswind.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported that he contacted UNICOM as he approached the airport and was told that the gusting wind of 10 to 15 knots favored the southern runway. The first attempt to land resulted in a go-around due to an erratic and gusting right crosswind. During touchdown on the second attempt, the crosswind turned the airplane to the right. The pilot applied full left rudder, and was able to return the airplane to runway centerline. However, during the rollout, the airplane was again struck by the crosswind, and departed the runway surface and ground looped. The fuselage and left wing were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

  • cause Directional control — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Pilot
  • Effect on operation

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 200/11kt, vis 10sm

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