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NTSB Report
August 16, 1998 · Piper PA-20 · N1540A
Rio Vista, CA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 16, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Rio Vista, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-20
Tail Number
N1540A
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX98LA266
The pilot reported the wind condition as variable and gusty. On the landing rollout he was unable to maintain directional control of the aircraft. The aircraft came to rest inverted after standing vertically on its nose.
NTSB Probable Cause
Failure of the pilot to adequately compensate for the existing wind condition and maintain directional control on rollout.
Full Narrative
On August 16, 1998, at 1245 hours Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-20, N1540A, veered off runway 25 after landing and came to rest inverted at the Rio Vista, California, airport. The aircraft, operated under 14 CFR Part 91, sustained substantial damage. The airline transport rated pilot/owner, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions existed for the personal flight that originated from the Reno, Nevada, airport at 1120 on the morning of the accident, and no flight plan was filed. The pilot reported the wind condition as variable and "gusty." After touchdown, a gust of wind pushed the aircraft sideways, and he was unable to control the aircraft. When it hit the dirt beside the runway, the aircraft "tipped up on its nose, then very slowly fell over on its back."
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:45 PDT
Nearest AirportRIOVISTA (0nm)
Runway25
Runway Length4200 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-20
Tail NumberN1540A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-290-D2 · Reciprocating · 135
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 55 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 12 kt
Visibility25 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time18:55
Weather SourceWFAC