Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot failed to maintain control of the airplane during the back-taxi. Additional factors were the tailwind and the wind gust.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On March 29, 2002, at 1530 central standard time, a Piper PA-22-150, N6156D, sustained substantial damage when it nosed over during taxi for takeoff. The private pilot was not injured. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was taxiing for departure at the Russell Municipal Airport (RSL), Russell, Kansas, en route to an unknown destination. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed.
The winds at RSL were reported as 020 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 18 knots.
The pilot reported he had purchased the airplane on March 28, 2002, in Sterling, Colorado. On March 29, 2002, he landed at RSL to refuel. After refueling, he back-taxied down runway 35 for takeoff. He reported the winds were 20-25 knots, and that a gust of wind hit the airplane. Within 10-15 seconds, the airplane had nosed over and was upside down. He reported the airplane did not have a mechanical malfunction.
The pilot reported his last biennial flight review was on October 3, 1986. The pilot held a current Third Class Medical Certificate.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI02LA098