N1588P

Substantial
None

Piper PA-18S/N: 18-3751

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
NTSB Number
DFW08CA113
Location
Santa Teresa, NM
Event ID
20080506X00620
Coordinates
31.876388, -106.691947
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Contributing to the accident was the strong gusty crosswinds.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18-3751
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1954
Model / ICAO
PA-18PA18
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
PA-18

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
WAR EAGLES AIR MUSEUM
Address
8012 AIRPORT RD
City
SANTA TERESA
State / Zip Code
NM 88008
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot began a normal approach to runway 28 at his intended destination airport and stated that he had a large crosswind correction because of strong winds from the southwest. The airspeed was indicating between 60 and 70 miles per hour and no flaps were used. The pilot touched down on the main gear slightly to the right of the runway centerline and in good alignment with plenty of runway remaining. The pilot then decided due to the strong winds to attempt a go-around and applied power. According to the pilot's statement on the NTSB 6120.1, Pilot /Operator Accident/ Incident Report, a gust of wind brought the left wing up and the aircraft right wing appeared to be scraping the runway. The aircraft began to turn to the right and went off the north side of the runway at about 90 degrees from the runway heading. The airplane then went through a dried creek bed 10 to 12 feet deep and 50 feet wide approximately 100 feet north of the runway. The nose hit the north rim of the creek bed and the aircraft flipped and came to rest inverted facing to the west. The pilot was able to egress unassisted and sustained only minor injuries. Winds were reported at the time of the accident as 14 knots with gusts to 28 knots from 250 degrees.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DFW08CA113