LAX04CA279

The pilot misjudged the landing flare, made a hard, bounced wheel landing, lost directional control, and ground looped. Because runway 21 was closed, the pilot had elected to land on its parallel taxiway. During the landing sequence on the 1,500-foot-long taxiway, the pilot increased engine power in an unsuccessful effort at maintaining airplane control. The pilot was aware of the local crosswind condition, which presented up to a 30-degree right crosswind at 14 to 17 knots.

On July 24, 2004, about 1440 Pacific daylight time, an Aviat Aircraft, Inc., A-1B, N268DM, operated by the pilot-owner, ground looped on landing at the Minden-Tahoe Airport, Minden, Nevada. The airplane was substantially damaged. Neither the private pilot nor passenger was injured during the personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight was performed under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91, and it originated form Redmond, Oregon, about 1130.

The pilot reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that while approaching the uncontrolled airport, where her airplane is based, she was aware of the local wind condition. Because runway 21 was closed, she elected to land on its parallel taxiway. The pilot stated that the taxiway is 1,500 feet long, and she had previously landed on it. On approach, she confirmed the wind direction and speed.

The pilot further reported that she made a hard, bounced wheel landing, and increased engine power to recover. Thereafter, she lost directional control of the airplane, and it veered off the pavement, impacted sage brush, and ground looped. According to the pilot, at the time of the mishap the wind direction was between 210 and 240 degrees, at 14 to 17 knots.