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September 22, 2024 · Aviat Aircraft A-1A · N56TA

Taft, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 22, 2024
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Taft, CA
Aircraft
Aviat Aircraft A-1A (1998)
Tail Number
N56TA
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR24LA316

During an instructional flight, the flight instructor and pilot undergoing instruction (student) performed multiple landings at an airport without incident before heading to the student’s private dirt airstrip. Upon arriving at the airstrip, the instructor demonstrated one landing. The student performed the second landing, and during the landing roll, the airplane began to veer to the right. Both the student and flight instructor applied the left rudder and brake in an attempt to correct back to the airstrip; however, the airplane continued to veer off the right side of the airstrip, where it struck a dirt mound and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right side of the fuselage and tail sections. A postaccident examination of the brake system revealed no evidence of any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Both pilots reported that the wind was calm at the time of the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot receiving instruction’s failure to maintain directional control during landing roll and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.

Full Narrative

On September 21, 2024, about 1743 Pacific daylight time, an Aviat Aircraft Inc. A-1A, N56TA, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Taft, California. The flight instructor and pilot-rated student were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. Both pilots reported performing several landings at Shafter Airport-Minter Field (MIT), Shafter, California, without incident. The flight then departed for the student’s residence to conduct some off-airport landings at his dirt airstrip. The first landing was completed by the flight instructor without incident. The second landing was completed by the student. The flight instructor stated that the landing was normal and when the student attempted to slow down with the power at idle and the stick in the aft position, the airplane began to pull to the right. The student pilot tried to correct the movement with left rudder and brake, but the airplane continued to the right. The instructor reported that he also applied full left rudder and brake to no avail. The airplane continued off the side of the airstrip, where it struck a dirt mound and came to rest inverted. Postaccident examination of the brake system revealed that the brake master cylinder, hydraulic lines, and hardware were intact with no obvious leaks or breaks in the system. Both wheels were manually rotated, and the brakes were activated inside the cockpit, with a corresponding stoppage of the wheel. Additionally, when the brakes were engaged, no sponginess was felt. Both pilots reported that the wind was calm at the time of the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 PDT
Nearest AirportPVT (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAviat Aircraft A-1A
Tail NumberN56TA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsTextron Lycoming · O-360-A1P · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 26 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 68 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52 F
Altimeter29.81 inHg
Observation Time17:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data