Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for gusty crosswind conditions and his failure to maintain directional control.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The airplane was on final approach and the pilot noted that the winds were affecting the airplane, but he did not believe it was significant enough to perform a go-around. The airplane was about 5 to 10 feet above the runway surface and it encountered a wind shear that pushed the left wing downward. Despite the pilot's efforts, he could not counteract the wind effects. The airplane ground looped with the left wing contacting the ground and it came to rest in the grass adjacent to the runway. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine. A weather station 9 nautical miles from the accident site indicated that about 20 minutes after the accident winds were gusting from 14 to 19 knots.
Source record
Factual narrative
In a written statement, the pilot reported that while entering the traffic pattern at the destination airport, he received an airport advisory reporting winds 280 degrees at 10 to 12 knots. With the airplane on final approach, the pilot noted that the winds were oscillating the airplane but did not believe it was significant enough to perform a go-around. The airplane approached about 5 to 10 feet above the runway surface and encountered a wind shear that pushed the left wing downward. Despite the pilot's efforts, he could not counteract the wind. The airplane ground looped with the left wing contacting the ground; it came to rest in the grass adjacent to the runway. In the section titled "RECOMMENDATION" in the NTSB Pilot/Operator Report, form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated that accident could have been prevented if he had performed an "over flight of the airport to ascertain proper wind direction and speed." The pilot further added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine. A routine aviation weather report (METAR) at the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport, Palm Springs, California (located 9 nautical miles southeast from the accident site), indicated that about 20 minutes after the accident winds were from 350 degrees at 14 knots, gusting to 19 knots.