Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-11 near Ft. Morgan, CO — 2012-09-10

Final reportCEN12CA641
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Date
2012-09-10
Location
Ft. Morgan, CO, USA
Airport
KFMM
Aircraft
PIPER PA-11
Registration
N4589M
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of control during landing after encountering an unexpected wind gust.

NTSB narrative

While practicing landings, the sport pilot performed a three-point, full-flap landing on the runway. During the landing roll, an unexpected 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 and sustained substantial damage to the right wing, right aileron, and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane before the accident. The pilot and the flight instructor reported the wind was about 3 to 4 knots down the runway, with dust devils crossing the runway.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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