Summary
On September 16, 2013, a Piper PA 11 (N4988M) was involved in an accident near Bozeman, MT. The accident resulted in 2 minor injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and inadequate compensation for the high gusty wind conditions during taxi.
The pilot reported that after aborting the takeoff due to an approaching thunderstorm and high winds, while taxiing back to the parking area, a strong wind lifted the airplane. The airplane subsequently nosed over which resulted in substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, vertical stabilizer, and rudder. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
This accident is documented in NTSB report WPR13CA412. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N4988M.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and inadequate compensation for the high gusty wind conditions during taxi.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that after aborting the takeoff due to an approaching thunderstorm and high winds, while taxiing back to the parking area, a strong wind lifted the airplane. The airplane subsequently nosed over which resulted in substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, vertical stabilizer, and rudder. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR13CA412