On April 14, 2014, a KALDOR GREGORY N ZENITH 701 operated by Robert Wilson was involved in an aviation accident near Eutaw Springs, SC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper decision to execute a precautionary landing to unsuitable terrain following an inflight encounter with a wind gust, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot landed in a plowed field after a severe wind gust caused an abrupt turn, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft. No mechanical issues were reported.
Incident Overview
According to the pilot, while flying over a small airstrip near a campground, the airplane encountered a severe gust of wind. This gust caused the airplane to turn abruptly to the right. The pilot felt that the airplane was out of control and decided to make a precautionary landing in a plowed field.
Damage Details
During the precautionary landing, the airplane sustained substantial damage. Specifically, the nose landing gear, wings, and fuselage were damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.
Contributing factors
Causes
PilotPerformance/control parameters — Not attained/maintained
What happened in the 14 Apr 2014 KALDOR GREGORY N ZENITH 701 accident near Eutaw Springs, SC?
A pilot landed in a plowed field after a severe wind gust caused an abrupt turn, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft. No mechanical issues were reported.
Were there any fatalities in the 14 Apr 2014 KALDOR GREGORY N ZENITH 701 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Apr 2014 involved a KALDOR GREGORY N ZENITH 701, operated by Robert Wilson, at Eutaw Springs, SC.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's improper decision to execute a precautionary landing to unsuitable terrain following an inflight encounter with a wind gust, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane.
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