PIPER PA18
Raton, NM — August 9, 2018
Event Information
| Date | August 9, 2018 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA18CA480 |
| Event ID | 20180810X43432 |
| Location | Raton, NM |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 36.74250, -104.50166 |
| Airport | Raton Muni/Crews Field |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA18 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during the landing roll.
Full Narrative
The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during the wheel landing in gusting wind conditions, the right main landing gear touched down on the runway followed by the left main landing gear. During the landing roll, the airplane encountered a wind gust from the left. The airplane ground-looped to the left, and the pilot applied full right rudder and brake application. However, the airplane exited the left side of the runway and the airplane's right wing struck the ground. Substantial damage was sustained to the right wing, the right aileron, and the right elevator.
The pilot reported that the airport's wind socks indicated a 5 to 10 knot "right quartering headwind."
The METAR located at the airport reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was from 210° at 5 knots. The airplane landed on runway 25.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.