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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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March 5, 2017 · Lancair Columbia 400 · N2516K

Henderson, NV

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 5, 2017
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Henderson, NV
Aircraft
Lancair Columbia 400 (2005)
Tail Number
N2516K
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA174

The pilot reported that he and his passenger were cleared by the tower for the approach to runway 17R. During landing, "a violent wind gust without warning hit the airplane." The pilot attempted to recover, "when a second violent wind gust hit the airplane causing a wing to hit the ground." The airplane's left wing impacted the safety area between runway 17R and 17L and just beyond taxiway Foxtrot. The airplane came to rest in the same safety area about 45° left of the initial impact point and about 10 ft from runway 17L. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing, fuselage, and rudder. The METAR reported that the wind was from 220° at 31 knots, gusting to 38 knots about the time of the accident. According to the manufacturer's Pilot's Operating Handbook, the maximum demonstrated crosswind component was 23 knots. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s improper decision to land the airplane with a gusting crosswind, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he and his passenger were cleared by tower for the approach to runway 17 Right (R). During landing, "a violent wind gust without warning hit the airplane." The pilot attempted to recover, "when a second violent wind gust hit the airplane causing a wing to hit the ground." The airplane's initial impact point was the left wing that impacted the safety area between runway 17 R and 17 Left (L), and just beyond taxiway Foxtrot. The airplane came to rest in the same safety area about 45° left of the initial impact point, and about 10 feet from runway 17 L. The airplane sustained substantial damage to runway left wing, the fuselage and the rudder. The meteorological aerodrome report identified that the wind was out of 220° at the velocity of 31 kts. gusting to 38 kts. about the time of the accident. According to the manufacturer's pilot operating handbook, the maximum demonstrated crosswind component is 23 kts. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time05:30 PST
Nearest AirportHenderson Executive (0nm S)
Runway17R
Runway Length6501 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftLancair Columbia 400
Tail NumberN2516K
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · TSIO-550-C5 · Reciprocating · 310
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 67 · Third Class · Minor
Crew 2Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 31 kt, gusting 38 kt
Visibility8 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 5500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 25 C
Altimeter29.70 inHg
Observation Time01:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data