N2357Z

On August 15, 1995, at 1045 central daylight time, a Piper PA-18- 150, N2357Z, was substantially damaged following a loss of control during a crosswind landing at Spofford Airstrip (55XS), near Brackettville, Texas. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries. The U.S. Border Patrol airplane was being operated under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated in Del Rio, Texas, at 0900 CDT. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed.

The pilot reported in a written statement, that during the landing roll, with a left front quartering crosswind, the nose of the aircraft turned to the left. Corrective action was taken without results. He further reported that he applied full power in an attempt to "straighten the aircraft with the runway and takeoff to avoid other problems." As full power was applied, the nose of the aircraft swung to the "far right and would not respond back to the left."

According to the operator, the pilot was landing on a heading of 195 degrees. The aircraft departed the right side of the runway, struck a fence, and came to rest on the edge of Highway 131, resulting in structural damage to the airframe adjacent to the main landing gear attaching points. The Spofford Airstrip is also called Malone Airstrip. See the enclosed airport diagram.

The owner of the airstrip reported the winds at the time of the accident were variable from the east at 10 MPH gusting to 20 MPH, with the wind sock turning more than 30 degrees during these gusts.