NTSB Factual Report

On August 8, 2002, about 1200 Alaska daylight time, a tundra tire-equipped experimental homebuilt Williamson GlaStar airplane, N62849, sustained substantial damage during landing at the Flying Crown Airport, Anchorage, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) local area personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The airplane was operated by the pilot. The commercial certificated pilot, and the pilot-rated passenger, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. No flight plan was filed, nor was one required. The flight originated at the Flying Crown Airport, about 1145.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), on September 13, 2002, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) personnel from the Anchorage Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), reported they received a letter from a witness describing the accident. The witness indicated the pilot occupied the right front seat, and a female pilot occupied the left front seat.

On September 25, the pilot telephoned the NTSB IIC. He reported that he was the pilot-in-command, and was landing the accident airplane on runway 13 at the Flying Crown Airport. He said he noticed a slight crosswind from the right, but described the wind conditions as light and variable. During the landing roll, the pilot said the right wingtip contacted the ground. The airplane then veered to the right and collided with two trees and the fence of a home located along the runway edge.

In the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1) submitted by the pilot, the pilot reported that about 10 feet above the runway, the airplane dropped and bounced. He said he added engine power to recover from the bounce, but a right crosswind turned the airplane toward trees located along the left side of the runway. During the recovery, the right wingtip contacted the ground, turning the airplane sideways. The airplane slid on the wet grass surface into trees and a residential fence.

According to the Airport Facility Directory/Alaska Supplement, the Flying Crown Airport is a private, turf-surface airport. Runway 13/31 is 1,078 feet long and 50 feet wide.

The closest official weather observation station is the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, which is located about 5 nautical miles northwest of the accident site. On August 8, 2002, at 1153, an Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) was reporting in part: Wind, 160 degrees (true) at 7 knots; visibility, 10 statute miles in light rain; clouds and sky condition, 2,000 feet scattered, 2,600 feet broken, 3,300 feet overcast; temperature, 55 degrees F; dew point, 54 degrees F; altimeter, 29.75 inHg.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll. Factors in the accident were the pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition, and the misjudged landing flare.