N4036E

Substantial
None

PIPER PA-18-150S/N: 18-7809042

Accident Details

Date
Friday, September 24, 2010
NTSB Number
WPR10CA469
Location
White Sulphur Springs, MT
Event ID
20100925X03544
Coordinates
46.621112, -110.479446
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 control of the airplane during a go-around in turbulent wind conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18-7809042
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1977
Model / ICAO
PA-18-150PA18
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
PA-18-150

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
RIEGER JOHN R
Address
147 PLEVNA RD S
City
PLEVNA
State / Zip Code
MT 59344
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that he planned on landing his single-engine, tail wheel equipped, airplane in an open field in front of a friend's mountain cabin. The pilot made his first approach to the landing area and "dragged" his wheels across the landing area to test the roughness of the terrain before landing. The pilot then initiated a go-around and planned on landing during the next pass. Immediately upon initiating the go-around the pilot reported that he encountered severe turbulence over the tree populated terrain outside the periphery of his landing area. The turbulence forced the airplane down through the trees and into the ground. The pilot egressed the cockpit and the airplane was consumed by a post impact fire. The pilot stated that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR10CA469