PIPER PA-18-150
White Sulphur Springs, MT — September 24, 2010
Event Information
| Date | September 24, 2010 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR10CA469 |
| Event ID | 20100925X03544 |
| Location | White Sulphur Springs, MT |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 46.62111, -110.47945 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-18-150 |
| 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 failure to maintain control of the airplane during a go-around in turbulent wind conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he planned on landing his single-engine, tail wheel equipped, airplane in an open field in front of a friend's mountain cabin. The pilot made his first approach to the landing area and "dragged" his wheels across the landing area to test the roughness of the terrain before landing. The pilot then initiated a go-around and planned on landing during the next pass. Immediately upon initiating the go-around the pilot reported that he encountered severe turbulence over the tree populated terrain outside the periphery of his landing area. The turbulence forced the airplane down through the trees and into the ground. The pilot egressed the cockpit and the airplane was consumed by a post impact fire. The pilot stated that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.
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.