LAX98LA266

Factual narrative

On August 16, 1998, at 1245 hours Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-20, N1540A, veered off runway 25 after landing and came to rest inverted at the Rio Vista, California, airport. The aircraft, operated under 14 CFR Part 91, sustained substantial damage. The airline transport rated pilot/owner, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions existed for the personal flight that originated from the Reno, Nevada, airport at 1120 on the morning of the accident, and no flight plan was filed. The pilot reported the wind condition as variable and "gusty." After touchdown, a gust of wind pushed the aircraft sideways, and he was unable to control the aircraft. When it hit the dirt beside the runway, the aircraft "tipped up on its nose, then very slowly fell over on its back." The pilot reported the wind condition as variable and gusty. On the landing rollout he was unable to maintain directional control of the aircraft. The aircraft came to rest inverted after standing vertically on its nose. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12