N6443M

On March 30, 1996, about 1530 Alaska standard time, a tundra tire equipped Stinson 108-3, N6443M, ground looped while taxiing from landing at the Soldotna airport, Soldotna, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country personal flight when the accident occurred. The airplane, registered to and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The certificated private pilot, and the sole passenger, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight departed Lake Clark, Alaska, about 1315.

The pilot reported that he landed on runway 25 and was slowing to begin taxiing to a parking spot. A gust of wind from the right produced a ground loop and the airplane slid off the right side of the runway. The pilot initially reported minor damage to the left wing. Further inspection on April 17, 1996, confirmed structural damage to the fuselage at the left main gear attach point.

At 1546, a surface observation at Kenai, Alaska, 8 miles northwest of the accident site was reporting, in part: Sky conditions and ceiling, clear; visibility, 70 miles; temperature, 40 degrees F; dew point, 34 degrees F; wind, 020 degrees at 13 knots; altimeter, 30.27 inHg. After landing, the pilot estimated the winds from the north at 16 knots with gusts to 22 knots.