# NTSB LAX04CA185: Aeronca 65-TAC, N39515, Grass Valley, CA, April 12, 2004 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: April 12, 2004, 14:30 local (21:30 UTC) - Place: Grass Valley, CA - Coordinates: 39.113609, -121.056388 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.1136&lon=-121.0564&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report June 30, 2004 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 59073 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX04CA185 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/59073/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04CA185 ## Probable cause the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. Factors in the accident were wind gusts and tailwind/crosswind conditions. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor) - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor) - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor) - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - ground loop/swerve - encountered, pilot in command - On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll - object - tree(s) ## Analysis The pilot experienced a loss of directional control, veered off the runway, and collided with trees while on the landing roll. The pilot stated that the runway he was attempting to land on is solely used for landing at the airport, due to an excessive gradient. During the approach, the pilot noted tailwind conditions and opted to perform a wheel landing. While on the landing roll, the airplane encountered a gust of wind from the right, resulting in the tail being pushed to the left. The airplane veered to the right and began a 45-degree arc off the right side of the runway. The pilot applied full left rudder pressure and left brake to counteract the veer. The airplane departed the right side of the runway and collided with trees. The pilot stated that on the right side of the runway are two groups of dense trees. In between the tree groups, about halfway down the runway, air funnels through creating wind gusts. He thought this was why he encountered sudden crosswind gusts. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane. The pilot reported that the winds were from 190 degrees at 5 knots. ## Factual narrative On April 12, 2004, about 1430 Pacific daylight time, an Aeronca 65-TAC, N39515, experienced a loss of directional control, veered off the runway, and collided with trees while on the landing roll at the Alta Sierra Airport (09CL), Grass Valley, California. The passenger/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The commercial pilot and pilot rated passenger were not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The personal local flight departed Watts-Woodland Airport, Woodland, California, about 1330, with the planned destination of 09CL. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed. In a written statement, the pilot reported that he was attempting to land on runway 01. He stated that runway 01 is solely used for landing at 09CL, due to runway 19 having an excessive upsloping gradient. During the approach, the pilot noted tailwind conditions and opted to perform a wheel landing. While on the landing roll, the airplane encountered a gust of wind from the right, resulting in the tail being pushed to the left. The airplane veered to the right and began a 45-degree arc off the right side of the runway. The pilot applied full left rudder pressure and left brake to counteract the veer. The airplane departed the right side of the runway and collided with trees. The pilot stated that on the right side of the runway are two groups of dense trees. In between the tree groups, about halfway down the runway, air funnels through creating wind gusts. He thought this was why he encountered sudden crosswind gusts. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane. The airport does not have a weather reporting station. The pilot reported that the winds were from 190 degrees at 5 knots. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N39515](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N39515), registered now, S/N L4802TA, built 1942 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Aeronca 65-TAC - Registry model: [Aeronca 65-TAC](https://openairdocs.org/model/aeronca-65-tac) (registry code 0190910) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental A&C65 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c65-series) (registry code 17003, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: L4802TA - Engines: Continental A75-8 reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Gary Bennett - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal - Departed: O41, Woodland, CA - Destination: 09CL, Grass Valley, CA - Airport: 09CL, Alta Sierra Airport, runway 01 ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 62; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 2; flight hours: 2,643 total, 6 in this make and model, 22 in the last 90 days, 14 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day ## 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 20040412008309A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20040412008309A), Apr 12, 2004: Aronca 65TAC, Grass Valley, CA, Substantial damage. (-23) Pilot stated that he setup for a wheel landing on runway 1. This airport only allows landings on runway 1 due to the uphill slope. Pilot stated that he… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.