Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's improper use of the flight controls resulting in his failure to maintain directional control. The existing crosswind is a factor in this accident.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot ground looped the airplane during the landing roll-out. Ground witnesses reported that a 90-degree crosswind existed at the time. The pilot was unable to maintain directional and exited the runway environment. The right main landing gear collapsed when the airplane exited the runway.
Source record
Factual narrative
On February 21, 1994, about 1210 hours Pacific standard time, a Piper J5A-L4F, N33029, exited runway 35 during landing roll-out at the Kern Valley Airport, Kernville, California. The pilot was completing a local visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight. The airplane, registered to and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The certificated private pilot and his passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated at Kern Valley Airport at 1150 hours. An FAA operations inspector, Fresno Flight Standards District Office, reported that the pilot was landing in crosswind conditions. During the landing roll, the pilot lost control of the airplane. The airplane ground looped and departed the runway backwards, receiving damage to the right landing gear, right wing, and aileron. The pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, that during the landing roll-out he encountered "a strong gust of wind about 90 degrees to the runway heading. He said that the airspeed was too slow to execute a go- around. -