Pilot Debrief

STINSON 108-3 near Port of Del Bonita, MT — 2025-05-05

Final reportWPR25LA151
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Date
2025-05-05
Location
Port of Del Bonita, MT, USA
Airport
H28
Aircraft
STINSON 108-3
Registration
N108RM
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of directional control while landing in gusting wind conditions.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that prior to landing in the tailwheel equipped airplane, he obtained the current weather at his destination airport, where the wind was reported as calm. During the landing, after touchdown, he felt a large wind gust push the airplane to the left. The airplane then veered left and departed the runway through a barbed wired fence, which resulted in substantial damage to the right elevator and fuselage. The pilot confirmed that the right side rudder steering arm separated during the accident sequence. The pilot reported no other preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that could have precluded normal operation. At about the time of the accident, the pilot was landing on runway 25, with the wind from 360° at 22 knots.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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