Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. A factor was a sudden wind shift.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot took off and remained in the traffic pattern. The landing approach was normal and the touch down was on the runway centerline but, according to the pilot, the airplane bounced due to a rear quartering tailwind shear. The pilot said he applied full power in an attempt to abort the landing, but the wind forced the airplane into the side of a hangar.
Source record
Factual narrative
On March 4, 1995, at 1115 mountain standard time, a Schmanski Kitfox III, N951BW, was destroyed during an aborted landing at Greeley, Colorado. The commercial pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight. The following is based on the pilot/operator report: The pilot took off and remained in the traffic pattern. The landing approach was normal and the touch down was on the runway centerline but the airplane bounced due to a "rear quarter shear." The pilot applied full power in an attempt to go around, but the gusts continued taking the aircraft to the right of the runway and blew it into the hangar. Witness statements corroborated the pilot's report. -