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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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April 15, 2002 · Piper PA-18 · N802DA

Conway, SC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 15, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Conway, SC
Aircraft
Piper PA-18
Tail Number
N802DA
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL02LA082

The airplane collided with a ditch as the pilot taxied to the ramp after landing. The pilot stated a gust of wind caused the airplane to swerve, and there was not enough time to correct. The left main wheel of the aircraft slid into a ditch along the left side of the runway, causing the left wing tip to strike the ground. The airframe sustained structural damage. No mechanical or engine problems were reported by the pilot prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the pilot to use proper wind correction technique, resulting in a loss of directional control of the aircraft.

Full Narrative

On April 14, 2002, at 1220 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-18, N802DA, registered to and operated by Sky Signs LLC., collided with a ditch as the pilot taxied to the ramp after landing at Sky Field in Conway, South Carolina. The banner tow flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage and the commercial pilot was not injured. The flight initially departed Conway, South Carolina, at an undetermined time. According to the pilot, he was taxiing the airplane from the runway to a hanger when a gust of wind caused the aircraft to swerve to the left. The pilot immediately corrected with right rudder, but due to a narrow runway, did not have enough time to recover. The left main wheel of the aircraft slid into a ditch along the left side of the runway, and the left wing tip to strike the ground. The airframe sustained structural damage. No other damage to the aircraft occurred, and there were no injuries. According to the pilot, winds at the time of the accident were variable at 7 knots, without gusts. The runway is a grass strip, 1,200 feet long by 50 feet wide. The pilot did not report a mechanical problem with the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:20 EDT
Nearest AirportSKYFIELD (0nm N)
Runway17
Runway Length1200 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18
Tail NumberN802DA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A2B · Reciprocating · 160
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 21 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind130° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter30.13 inHg
Observation Time16:47
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data