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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

November 27, 2009 · Piper PA-25-260 · N9600P

Llano, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 27, 2009
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Llano, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-25-260
Tail Number
N9600P
Operator
Southern California Soaring Academy
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR10CA067

The pilot reported that he was taking off in a gusting 15-knot left crosswind with a glider in tow. He said he was holding the aileron control to the left during the takeoff roll, and, as the airplane lifted off, it rolled immediately to the right. The pilot then applied full left aileron, but was unable to maintain control of the airplane and he released the tow rope. The airplane subsequently collided with terrain causing substantial damage to the right wing and empennage. The closest official weather reporting station, located 15 miles northwest of the accident site, indicated the winds were at 20 knots, gusting to 25 knots. The private airport was not equipped with official weather reporting facilities. Post-accident examination of the aircraft by FAA inspectors revealed no anomalies with the airplane's flight control systems.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusting crosswind conditions and failure to maintain lateral and directional control.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he was taking off in a gusting 15-knot left crosswind with a glider in tow. He said he was holding the aileron control to the left during the takeoff roll, and, as the airplane lifted off, it rolled immediately to the right. The pilot then applied full left aileron, but was unable to maintain control of the airplane and he released the tow rope. The airplane subsequently collided with terrain causing substantial damage to the right wing and empennage. The closest official weather reporting station, located 15 miles northwest of the accident site, indicated the winds were at 20 knots, gusting to 25 knots. The private airport was not equipped with official weather reporting facilities. Post-accident examination of the aircraft by FAA inspectors revealed no anomalies with the airplane's flight control systems.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:45 PST
Nearest AirportCrystal Airport (0nm)
Runway25
Runway Length4500 ft
Runway Width250 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-25-260
Tail NumberN9600P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSouthern California Soaring Academy
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540 SERIES · Reciprocating · 250
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 35 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 20 kt, gusting 25 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 16 C
Altimeter29.88 inHg
Observation Time22:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data