NTSB Factual Report

On May 9, 2001, about 0800 hours mountain standard time, an Aviat A-1A, N281C, operated by the pilot, collided with brush during an off field landing in the Tonto National Forest, Arizona. The airplane was substantially damaged. Neither the private pilot nor the passenger was injured during the personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was performed under 14 CFR Part 91, and originated from Winslow, Arizona, about 0715.

The pilot reported that upon arrival over the dirt field he observed a windsock, which indicated there was a light wind from the northeast. He then made a low pass over the field to check on its condition, and nothing unusual was noted. Upon touchdown, the airplane drifted to the left side of the airstrip and collided with a prickly pear cactus and several bushes. The pilot further reported that, thereafter, he lost control of the airplane and it ground looped. (The subsequent examination of ground impact signatures revealed that the airplane actually drifted right while landing in a westerly direction.)

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate crosswind correction compensation during landing and his failure to maintain proper alignment with the usable runway. A contributing factor was the presence of bushes in proximity to the airstrip.