NTSB Factual Report

On November 5, 2004, at approximately 1515 mountain standard time, a Temco GC-1B, N80791, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when it impacted the runway during landing roll at Angel Fire Airport (AXX), Angle Fire, New Mexico. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot and his passenger reported no injuries. The cross-country flight originated from Dodge City, Kansas, at 1345 central standard time and was en route to AXX.

According to the accident report submitted by the pilot, during the landing roll on runway 17, he "lost rudder effect and [the] airplane began to weathervane to the right." The pilot added back pressure, "set the tail down," and applied brakes. After several "turns" to the left and right," the airplane ground looped to the left. Both main landing gear collapsed. The left aileron jammed into the trailing edge of the left wing and the left main wing spar was bent. A postaccident examination of the airplane systems, conducted by the FAA, revealed no anomalies.

According to the pilot, winds at the time of the accident were reported to him, by the UNICOM, as 240 degrees at 14 knots. The pilot stated further that the winds appeared to be from 250 degrees to 260 degrees. In a statement provided by the individual manning the UNICOM, the winds were reported as 225 degrees at 14 knots. The calculated crosswind component was between 12 and 14 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control and his inadequate compensation for wind. Contributing to the accident was the crosswind.