# NTSB LAX94LA131: Piper J5A-L4F, N33029, Kernville, CA, February 21, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 21, 1994, 12:10 local (20:10 UTC)
- Place: Kernville, CA
- Coordinates: 35.730182, -118.390975 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.7302&lon=-118.3910&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 14, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 28670
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX94LA131
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28670/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA131

## Probable cause

the pilot's improper use of the flight controls resulting in his failure to maintain directional control.  The existing crosswind is a factor in this accident.

## 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 - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- Gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - landing gear,main gear - overload

## Analysis

THE PILOT GROUND LOOPED THE AIRPLANE DURING THE LANDING ROLL-OUT. GROUND WITNESSES REPORTED THAT A 90-DEGREE CROSSWIND EXISTED AT THE TIME.  THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL AND EXITED THE RUNWAY ENVIRONMENT.  THE RIGHT MAIN LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED WHEN THE AIRPLANE EXITED THE RUNWAY.

## Factual narrative

On February 21, 1994, about 1210 hours Pacific standard time, a Piper J5A-L4F, N33029, exited runway 35 during landing roll-out at the Kern Valley Airport, Kernville, California.  The pilot was completing a local visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight.  The airplane, registered to and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage.  The certificated private pilot and his passenger were not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.  The flight originated at Kern Valley Airport at 1150 hours.

An FAA operations inspector, Fresno Flight Standards District Office, reported that the pilot was landing in crosswind conditions.  During the landing roll, the pilot lost control of the airplane.  The airplane ground looped and departed the runway backwards, receiving damage to the right landing gear, right wing, and aileron.

The pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, that during the landing roll-out he encountered "a strong gust of wind about 90 degrees to the runway heading.  He said that the airspeed was too slow to execute a go- around.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N33029](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N33029), registered now, S/N 5-430, built 1940 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J5A-L4F
- Registry model: [Piper J5A](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-j5a) (registry code 7100702) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 5-430
- Airframe hours: 2231
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Landis, Hal B.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 10, 1993, 20 hours before
- Departed: L05
- Airport: L05, Kern Valley, runway 35, 3,500 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; private; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 1,500 total, 700 in this make and model, 4 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °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 19940221002669A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940221002669A), Feb 21, 1994: Piper J5A, Kernville, CA, Substantial damage. Lost control landing in crosswind. Ground looped and exited runway backward. Exceeded crosswind component.

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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