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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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NTSB Report

January 25, 2003 · Stinson 108-2 · N9335K

Elbert, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 25, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Elbert, CO
Aircraft
Stinson 108-2
Tail Number
N9335K
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN03LA036

The pilot was practicing touch and go landings in the traffic pattern. As he was performing a full stop landing on runway 35, he caught a gust of wind which raised the right wing approximately 20 to 30 degrees. The pilot attempted to level the wings but could not. The airplane ground looped to the right and the left wing struck the ground causing substantial damage to the left outboard wing. An examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies. Wind conditions on the airport at the time of the accident were 040 degrees at 12 knots with gusts to 17 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inability to maintain aircraft control resulting in the ground loop. Factors relating to the accident were the crosswinds and the wind gusts.

Full Narrative

On January 25, 2003, at 1145 mountain standard time, a Stinson 108-2, N9335K, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when it ground looped during landing at the Kelly Airpark, Elbert, Colorado. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The private pilot reported no injuries. The local flight originated at 1115. In his written statement, the pilot reported that he had been flying in the traffic pattern practicing touch and go landings. He was performing a full stop landing on runway 35 when he caught a gust of wind which raised the right wing approximately 20 to 30 degrees. The pilot attempted to level the wings but could not. The airplane ground looped to the right and the left wing struck the ground. An examination of the airplane showed the outboard six ribs of the left wing and wing tip were bent aft and upward. The wing skin in this area was wrinkled. The left main landing gear was bent aft. The fuselage skin at the landing gear leg root was wrinkled. The left main landing gear wheel cover and fairing were bent aft. The bottom cowling was bent to the right. One of the propeller blades was bent aft. Flight control continuity was confirmed. An examination of the airplane's systems revealed no anomalies. At 1149, the wind conditions reported at the Elbert Mountain, Colorado, Automated Weather Observation System, located on the airfield, were 040 degrees at 12 knots with gusts to 17 knots. At the time of the accident, the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado, Airfield, 250 degrees from the accident site at 7 nautical miles, reported a peak gust of 27 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:45 MST
Nearest AirportKelly Air Park (0nm NE)
Runway35
Runway Length3800 ft
Runway Width24 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftStinson 108-2
Tail NumberN9335K
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · 6A4-165-B3 · Reciprocating · 165
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 52 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind40° @ 12 kt, gusting 17 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 21 C
Altimeter30.18 inHg
Observation Time18:49
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data