PIPER PA-11
Ft. Morgan, CO — September 10, 2012
Event Information
| Date | September 10, 2012 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN12CA641 |
| Event ID | 20120918X15706 |
| Location | Ft. Morgan, CO |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 40.33389, -103.80417 |
| Airport | Ft Morgan Municipal |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-11 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAWN |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's loss of control during landing after encountering an unexpected wind gust.
Full Narrative
While practicing landings, the sport pilot performed a three-point, full flap landing on the runway. During the landing roll, the airplane experienced an unexpected wind gust to the left side of the airplane. The 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 resulting in substantial damage to the right wing, right aileron, and fuselage. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane prior to the accident. After the accident, the pilot and certificated flight instructor reported the wind was about 3 to 4 knots down the runway, with dust devils crossing the runway.
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.