No fatalities

6 Jul 2018: Aviat Aircraft Inc A-1C 180 — Dixie, ID

Dixie, ID, United States

On 6 Jul 2018, an Aviat Aircraft Inc A-1C 180 was involved in an aviation accident near Dixie, ID. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain an adequate approach in gusting tailwind conditions, which resulted in a runway overshoot. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During a second landing attempt at a private dirt airstrip, a wind gust from behind pushed the airplane past the runway into trees, causing substantial wing damage. No mechanical issues were reported.

Accident Details

A pilot reported that while approaching a backcountry, private dirt airstrip, the wind was swirling, prompting a go-around. On the second landing attempt, the airplane descended below the treetops surrounding the airstrip, which prevented the pilot from safely performing another go-around. At that point, a wind gust from behind pushed the airplane past the end of the runway and into trees.

Aircraft Damage

The accident resulted in substantial damage to both wings of the airplane. No other damage to the aircraft was reported.

Pilot's Account

The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The prevailing wind at the time of the accident was reported as variable at 15 knots, with gusts ranging from 15 to 20 knots.

Contributing factors

Causes

Descent/approach/glide path — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operationContributed to outcome