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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

May 11, 1996 · Boeing E75 · N4787V

Taos, NM

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 11, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Taos, NM
Aircraft
Boeing E75
Tail Number
N4787V
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW96LA211

Unicom reported, and a flag at the north end of the airport indicated, that the wind was light and variable from the northwest. As the pilot turned on final approach to runway 4, the wind caused the airplane to drift slightly right of the runway centerline. The pilot corrected and made a wheel landing. As speed dissipated below 50 mph and the tail wheel settled to the ground, the airplane shuddered slightly, then veered to the right. Full right aileron, left rudder, and left brake were applied but to no avail. The left wing contacted the ground and the airplane went off the right side of the runway into soft dirt, shearing off the left main landing gear. The pilot said another pilot reported seeing a dust devil on the south side of the airport just before the accident occurred.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control. A factor was the dust devil.

Full Narrative

On May 11, 1996, approximately 1140 mountain daylight time, a Boeing E75, N4787V, registered to Golden Wings Advertising, Inc., was substantially damaged during landing at Taos, New Mexico. The airline transport pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local air tour flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated from Taos, New Mexico at approximately 1125. According to the pilot, Unicom reported the wind to be light and variable from the northwest. As he entered the pattern, a flag at the north end of the airport also indicated the wind was from the northwest. When he turned on final approach, the wind caused the airplane to drift slightly right of the runway centerline. He corrected and made a normal wheel landing on runway 4. As speed dissipated (under 50 mph) and the tail wheel settled to the ground, the airplane "shuddered slightly." The airplane suddenly veered to the right and the right wing rose. Full right aileron and left rudder were applied but to no avail. The left brake was applied and locked but the airplane continued to veer right. The left wing contacted the runway and the airplane went off the right side of the runway into soft dirt, shearing off the left main landing gear. The pilot said another pilot told him that they had seen a dust devil on the south side of the airport just before the accident occurred.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:40 MDT
Nearest AirportTaos Municipal (0nm)
Runway4
Runway Length5798 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBoeing E75
Tail NumberN4787V
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-985 · Reciprocating · 450
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 59 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point18 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time17:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data