# NTSB LAX01LA175: Aviat A-1A, N281C, TontoNat.Forest, AZ, May 9, 2001

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 9, 2001, 08:00 local (15:00 UTC)
- Place: TontoNat.Forest, AZ
- Coordinates: 34.160831, -111.720001
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.1608&lon=-111.7200&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 28, 2002
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: WP-FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 52298
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX01LA175
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/52298/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX01LA175

## Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate crosswind correction compensation during landing and his failure to maintain proper alignment with the usable runway.  A contributing factor was the presence of bushes in proximity to the airstrip.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- On ground/water collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command

## Analysis

Arriving over the dirt airstrip, the pilot made a low pass to observe its condition and nothing unusual was noted.  The wind speed was less than 10 knots.  During the touchdown/rollout sequence, the airplane drifted to the side of the airstrip and collided with several bushes.  Thereafter, the pilot lost directional control of the airplane and it ground looped.

## Factual narrative

On May 9, 2001, about 0800 hours mountain standard time, an Aviat A-1A, N281C, operated by the pilot, collided with brush during an off field landing in the Tonto National Forest, Arizona.  The airplane was substantially damaged.  Neither the private pilot nor the passenger was injured during the personal flight.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.  The flight was performed under 14 CFR Part 91, and originated from Winslow, Arizona, about 0715.

The pilot reported that upon arrival over the dirt field he observed a windsock, which indicated there was a light wind from the northeast.  He then made a low pass over the field to check on its condition, and nothing unusual was noted.  Upon touchdown, the airplane drifted to the left side of the airstrip and collided with a prickly pear cactus and several bushes.  The pilot further reported that, thereafter,  he lost control of the airplane and it ground looped.  (The subsequent examination of ground impact signatures revealed that the airplane actually drifted right while landing in a westerly direction.)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N281C](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N281C), registered now, S/N 1456, built 1999 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Aviat A-1A
- Registry model: [Aviat A-1A](https://openairdocs.org/model/aviat-a-1a) (registry code 2210405) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-360-A1D](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-360-a1d) (registry code 41504, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1456
- Airframe hours: 160
- Engines: Lycoming O-360-A1P 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Robert E. Mansell
- Registered owner: Stump Jumper Aero LLC
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 8, 2000, 100 hours before
- Departed: INW, WINSLOW, AZ
- Destination: TontoNat.Forest, AZ
- Airport: Not Named Or Identified

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review April 25, 2000; flight hours: 935 total, 130 in this make and model, 935 as pilot in command, 16 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 20010509008539A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20010509008539A), May 9, 2001: Aviat A1A, Tontonat, AZ, Substantial damage. (.19)On may 9, 2001, about 0730 hours mountain standard time, an Aviat A-1A, N281C, owned by stump jumper aero LLC, wilmington, Delaware, and operated by the…

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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