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September 29, 2004 · Arganbright Vans RV-4 · N968MA

Custer, SD

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 29, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Custer, SD
Aircraft
Arganbright Vans RV-4
Tail Number
N968MA
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI04CA289

The airplane was damaged when it departed the runway and struck an embankment during landing. The pilot stated that he was landing to the west and during the landing roll, the airplane suddenly veered to the right. He stated that he attempted to correct with rudder and brakes but was unable to keep the airplane from exiting the runway surface. The airplane subsequently struck an embankment. In his statement, the pilot stated that there were no mechanical problems with regard to the airplane. He also stated that he suspected that the winds from the canyon adjacent to the airport caused a wind shift at the point where the loss of control occurred. The reported winds were from 290 degrees at 9 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing. Factors were the sudden wind shift and the embankment.

Full Narrative

On September 29, 2004, about 1230 mountain daylight time, an amateur-built Arganbright Van's RV-4, N968MA, sustained substantial damage when it went off the right side of runway 26 (5,500 feet by 60 feet, asphalt) at the Custer County Airport, Custer, South Dakota. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. There were no injuries. The flight originated from Yankton, South Dakota about 1115. The pilot submitted a written report of the accident. He stated that he was landing to the west and during the landing roll, the airplane suddenly veered to the right. He stated that he attempted to correct with rudder and brakes but was unable to keep the airplane from exiting the runway surface. The airplane subsequently struck an embankment. In his statement, the pilot stated that there were no mechanical problems with regard to the airplane. He also stated that he suspected that the winds from the canyon adjacent to the airport caused a wind shift at the point where the loss of control occurred. The reported winds were from 290 degrees at 9 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 MDT
Nearest AirportCuster County (0nm)
Runway26
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftArganbright Vans RV-4
Tail NumberN968MA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 160

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 65 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 9 kt
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0

Appendix: Source Data