N4589M – PIPER PA-11 – 2012-09-10 NTSB Accident Report

On September 10, 2012, a Piper PA-11 (N4589M) was involved in an incident near Ft. Morgan, CO. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's loss of control during landing after encountering an unexpected wind gust.

While practicing landings, the sport pilot performed a three-point, full flap landing on the runway. During the landing roll, the airplane experienced an unexpected wind gust to the left side of the airplane. The wind gust knocked the tail wheel out of its detent and the pilot was unable to maintain directional control of the airplane. The airplane ground looped resulting in substantial damage to the right wing, right aileron, and fuselage. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane prior to the accident. After the accident, the pilot and certificated flight instructor reported the wind was about 3 to 4 knots down the runway, with dust devils crossing the runway.

This incident is documented in NTSB report CEN12CA641. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N4589M.