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Pilot Reports Wing Lift and Runway Overrun on Backcountry Airstrip

Lone Pine, CA, United States

On June 5, 2016, an AMERICAN AVIATION AA 1A A was involved in an aviation accident near Lone Pine, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's incorrect brake and power application during landing, which resulted in a runway overrun, collision with a dirt berm, nose gear collapse, and nose-over. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During landing roll on a backcountry dirt airstrip, a gust of wind lifted the left wing. The pilot, using a technique from a YouTube video, was unable to stop the airplane, which overran the runway and hit a dirt berm, resulting in a nose gear collapse and substantial damage.

Accident Details

The pilot of a small airplane reported that during the landing roll on a backcountry dirt airstrip, the left wing lifted due to a gust of wind. According to the pilot, he maintained a faster than normal ground roll by alleviating pressure on the brakes and maintaining some power to taxi up the incline of the airstrip, a technique he said was recommended in a YouTube video.

As the end of the runway approached, the pilot reported that he was unable to stop the airplane or abort the landing. The airplane overran the runway and struck a dirt berm. The impact resulted in a nose gear collapse, a nose-over, and substantial damage to the fuselage.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause

The source does not provide a stated probable cause for the accident.

Contributing factors

Incorrect use/operationPilot

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jun 2016 AMERICAN AVIATION AA 1A A accident near Lone Pine, CA?

During landing roll on a backcountry dirt airstrip, a gust of wind lifted the left wing. The pilot, using a technique from a YouTube video, was unable to stop the airplane, which overran the runway and hit a dirt berm, resulting in a nose gear collapse and substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Jun 2016 AMERICAN AVIATION AA 1A A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Jun 2016 involved an AMERICAN AVIATION AA 1A A, at Lone Pine, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's incorrect brake and power application during landing, which resulted in a runway overrun, collision with a dirt berm, nose gear collapse, and nose-over.

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