Widner RV-3A N5287U

Summary

On 6 May 1999 at about 22:50 local time, a Widner RV-3A registered N5287U was involved in an accident near Casa Grande, Arizona, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

6 May 1999 at 22:50

Classification

Accident

Location

Casa Grande, Arizona, United States

Nearest airport

Casa Grande (CGZ)

Coordinates

Not recorded

Aircraft

Widner RV-3A

Registration

N5287U

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Unknown → Deming

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX99LA171

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing crosswind condition and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. The pilot's distraction in looking for the aircraft which announced an intention to land in the opposite direction was a factor in the accident.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

Prior to departure on runway 5, the pilot checked the windsock and noted a 90-degree crosswind at speeds from 5 to 10 mph. He made the decision to continue with the departure. During the takeoff roll, he became distracted after he heard another airplane radio intentions to land on runway 23 and he looked up to find the traffic. The pilot stated that the airplane weathervaned 45 degrees into the wind, veered off the runway, and nosed over.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.