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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

August 29, 1999 · Wirth AVID Flyer · N625F

Schellville, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 29, 1999
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Schellville, CA
Aircraft
Wirth AVID Flyer
Tail Number
N625F
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX99LA288

The pilot, in his experimental 65 hp, 1,200-pound gross weight airplane, took off under calm wind conditions and gained 50 to 75 feet. Then, a wind shear was encountered which yawed the airplane 15 degrees, and the airplane appeared to be pushed backwards. The pilot lost control, and the airplane descended until impacting a ditch about 200 feet from the runway.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's encounter with wind shear and a downdraft which precipitated his loss of airplane control.

Full Narrative

On August 28, 1999, about 1845 hours Pacific daylight time, an experimental Richard Wirth Avid Flyer, N625F, registered to and operated by the pilot, encountered wind shear during initial climb from the uncontrolled Sonoma Valley Airport, Schellville, California. Thereafter, the homebuilt airplane descended into terrain and was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed during the personal flight in the experimental category airplane. The flight was being performed under 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot received minor injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to the pilot, he took off under calm wind conditions. However, he encountered a wind shear upon climbing 50 to 75 feet above the ground. The pilot further reported that the wind was strong enough to yaw his airplane 15 degrees, and it appeared to push him backwards. Control was lost, and the airplane descended until impacting a ditch about 200 feet from the runway. No mechanical problems were experienced with the airplane during the flight.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:45 PDT
Nearest AirportSonoma Valley (1nm WSW)
Runway25
Runway Length2700 ft
Runway Width45 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWirth AVID Flyer
Tail NumberN625F
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 582 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 39 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time01:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data