Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions during the landing roll, which resulted in a loss of directional control and an inadvertent ground swerve. Factors relating to the accident were: the unfavorable wind conditions (crosswind and gusts), and rough terrain.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On May 19, 1996, at 1010 mountain daylight time, a Stinson 108-2 airplane, operated by the owner/pilot, collided with terrain during landing roll in Cut Bank, Montana, and was substantially damaged. The private pilot and his two passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The personal flight departed from Lethbridge, Canada, and was conducted under 14 CFR 91.
The pilot stated that after flying over the Cut Bank Municipal Airport to determine wind direction, he decided to land on runway 31. The winds were favoring runway 31 during his approach. As he landed and rolled out, the winds "apparently shifted to the left" and were gusting. The airplane "weathervaned" and veered off the edge of the runway onto soft terrain. The right main landing gear collapsed and the right wing was bent. No pre-impact mechanical malfunctions were reported. The reported wind conditions at the airport near the time of the accident were: wind direction from a magnetic bearing of 300 degrees at a speed of 16 knots, gusting to 23 knots.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA96LA095