Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CEN12CA028

Brookings, SD, USA

Aircraft #1

N8485D

PIPER PA-18-150

Analysis

The pilot reported that the airplane encountered a wind gust during the landing roll, which lifted the left wing and caused the airplane to swerve to the right. The pilot responded with the application of full engine power to initiate an aborted landing, but the airplane encountered another wind gust that further lifted the left wing and caused the right wing to impact the ground. The airplane subsequently came to rest in a field next to the runway. The airplane's engine firewall, wings, and fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded the normal operation of the airplane.

Factual Information

The pilot reported that the tailwheel equipped airplane encountered a wind gust during landing rollout on runway 35, which lifted the left wing and caused the airplane to swerve to the right. The pilot responded with the application of full engine power to initiate an aborted landing, but the airplane encountered another wind gust that further lifted the left wing and caused the right wing to impact the ground. The airplane subsequently came to rest in a field situated alongside the runway. The airplane's engine firewall, wings, and fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded the normal operation of the airplane. The airport's weather station reported that the wind was from the north-northwest at 15 knots, gusting to 24 knots.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate compensation for gusty wind conditions while landing.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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