NTSB Factual Report

On April 9, 2005, about 1040 eastern daylight time, an experimental, Aerostar S.A. Yak-52TW, N610RG, registered to and operated by a private individual, as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, impacted with trees during landing at Spruce Creek Airport, Daytona Beach, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The commercial-rated pilot and passenger received minor injuries, and the airplane incurred substantial damage. The flight originated from Space Coast Regional Airport, Titusville, Florida, earlier that day, about 1010.

The pilot stated, during approach he encountered rough air below 1,000 feet above ground level. He noted the windsock was swinging from side to side. He decided to make a three-point landing, in order to have more control of the airplane on the runway. During the landing flare the tail wheel touched first, and the airplane ballooned slightly. A wind gust hit the right wing, which veered the plane to the left. He saw a number of people standing in the Windsock Park next to runway 23-5. His concern was to avoid the group of observers. He added some power to gain rudder control and corrected to the right. The right wing tip touched the runway, which jammed the controls. At that point, control of the airplane was lost. The airplane skidded off the left side of the runway, shearing both main landing gears and impacting trees before coming to a stop. The pilot stated there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions to the airplane or any of its systems prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

Pilot's failure to maintain directional control in a variable wind condition during landing resulting in the airplane departing the runway subsequent landing gear separation and impact with trees.