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NTSB Report

July 3, 2017 · American General Acft AG5 B · N321MW

Rio Vista, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 3, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Rio Vista, CA
Aircraft
American General Acft AG5 B (1991)
Tail Number
N321MW
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA379

The student pilot reported that, during his second low approach, the airplane was stable at 75 knots and full flaps and about 20 ft above ground level (agl). He added, that about 5 to 10 ft agl, he applied full power and began to "slowly" retract the flaps. Encountering what he described as "wind shear," he reported that the airplane became "vertical" and that he lost directional control. He added that he immediately banked to the right and applied full right rudder. Subsequently, the airplane's left wing struck the ground. The airplane came to rest off the right side of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The student pilot reported checking the airport's automated weather observation system, which was reporting wind from 120° at 12 knots, before the approach. He further reported the sky condition as clear, temperature 84°F, dewpoint 53°F, and wind gusts to 20 knots. The pilot selected runway 15. As a recommendation, the student pilot reported that he should have avoided areas with gusts greater than 10 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

The student pilot reported that, during his second low approach, the airplane was stable at 75 knots and full flaps, about 20 ft. above the ground. He added, that about 5 to 10 ft. above the ground, he applied full power and began to "slowly" retract the flaps. Encountering what he described as "wind shear," he reported that, the airplane became "vertical" and he lost directional control. He added that, he immediately banked to the right and applied full right rudder, subsequently, the airplane's left wing struck the ground. The airplane came to rest off the right side of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The student pilot reported checking the airport's automated weather observation system (AWOS), which was reporting wind from 120° at 12 knots, prior to the approach. He further reported the sky condition as clear, temperature 84°F, dewpoint 53°F, and wind gusts to 20 knots. The pilot selected runway 15. As a recommendation, the student pilot reported that he should have avoided areas with gusts greater than 10 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 PDT
Nearest AirportRio Vista Muni (0nm ENE)
Runway15
Runway Length2199 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAmerican General Acft AG5 B
Tail NumberN321MW
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O&VO-360 SER · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 58 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 15 kt
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter29.84 inHg
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data