Pilot Debrief

STINSON 108-1 near Boulder City, NV — 2011-11-19

Final reportWPR12LA045
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Date
2011-11-19
Location
Boulder City, NV, USA
Airport
BVU
Aircraft
STINSON 108-1
Registration
N9016K
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Taxi

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while taxiing with a gusting crosswind.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he landed with a gusting crosswind of 18 to 27 knots. At the end of the runway he made a 180 degree turn to back-taxi to the intersection for the ramp. During the back-taxi, the airplane veered to the right. The pilot applied the left brake, but it did not have enough braking action to stop the turn. The pilot also applied left rudder control and increased power for more rudder authority, but the airplane subsequently departed the runway pavement. The right main gear leg folded under the fuselage, the nose dug into the dirt breaking the wooden propeller, and the right wing tip contacted the ground. Postaccident examination of both the left and right brake systems revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Fluid was found in both master cylinder reservoirs. Pedal pressure was even, firm, and normal. When brake pedal pressure was applied, both left and right calipers compressed against the rotors and released normally. Given the gusting crosswind, the wind likely led to the pilot’s loss of directional control.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to stop the turn instead of attempting to back-taxi.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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