Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing crosswind wind condition and his failure to maintain proper alignment with the runway.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot made a traffic pattern approach and landed using runway 26. During rollout, the pilot encountered an estimated 10 knot left crosswind from about 180 degrees. The airplane veered off the runway, entered a ditch and nosed over. The pilot stated that he had not expereinced any mechanical problems with his airplane. The pilot reported to a responding sheriff that he had landed downwind.
Source record
Factual narrative
On January 21, 1995, at 1205 Pacific standard time, a Stinson 108-2, N9359K, operated by the pilot, ground looped and nosed over during landing rollout on runway 26 at the Lodi (uncontrolled) Airport, Lodi, California. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the personal flight. The airplane was substantially damaged. Neither the private pilot nor the two passengers was injured. The flight originated from Livermore, California, at 1130. According to the deputy sheriff who responded to the accident site, the pilot informed him that he should not have made a downwind landing. The airplane came to rest in a ditch adjacent to the south side of the runway. On January 23, 1995, the pilot verbally reported to the National Transportation Safety Board that he was not certain what the wind direction was when he landed. He estimated, however, that he experienced approximately a 10-knot crosswind. Thereafter, the airplane went into the ditch. The pilot stated that he did not experience any mechanical problems with his airplane. Subsequently, in the pilot's completed Aircraft Accident Report, he indicated that at the time of the accident the wind was from the south between 8 and 10 knots. -