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NTSB Report

March 9, 2003 · Waco UKS-7 · N17721

El Paso, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 9, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
El Paso, TX
Aircraft
Waco UKS-7
Tail Number
N17721
Operator
Robert M Reinauer
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW03LA108

The 1937-vintage tailwheel-equipped airplane ground looped while landing. The 20,000-hour pilot reported that while on approach, he obtained the weather information from the automatic terminal information service (ATIS) stating that the winds were from 340 degrees at 5 knots. The pilot observed the airport's windsock blowing in a quartering tailwind position, and stated that the windsock "appeared" to be blowing at more than 5 knots. After landing on Runway 26L, the bi-plane rolled approximately 2,000 feet. A gust of wind "pushed" the rudder to the left, and the aircraft ground looped approximately 90 degrees to the right. At the time of the accident, the winds were reported from 340 degrees at 8 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to compensate for existing wind conditions. A contributing factor was the crosswind.

Full Narrative

On March 9, 2003, approximately 1100 central standard time, a Waco UKS-7 vintage tailwheel-equipped airplane, registered to and operated by a private individual was substantially damaged following a loss of control while landing on Runway 26L at the El Paso International Airport (ELP), near El Paso, Texas. The airline transport pilot and his passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan was filed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The cross-country flight originated at 0830 mountain standard time from the Casa Grande Municipal Airport (CGZ), near Casa Grande, Arizona. The 20,000-hour pilot reported that while on approach to ELP, he obtained the weather information from the automatic terminal information service (ATIS) stating that the winds were from 340 degrees at 5 knots. The pilot observed the airport's windsock blowing in a quartering tailwind position, and stated that the wind "appeared" to be blowing at more than 5 knots. Runway 26L has an asphalt surface, and is 9,025 feet long and 150 feet wide. The pilot added that after landing on Runway 26L, the 1937-model bi-plane rolled approximately 2,000 feet. A gust of wind "pushed" the rudder to the left, and the aircraft ground looped approximately 90 degrees to the right. The aircraft came to rest at a north heading. Examination of the aircraft by the operator revealed structural damage to the upper and lower left wings, and the left landing gear. At the time of the accident, the winds at ELP were reported from 340 degrees at 8 knots, 10 statute miles visibility, clear sky, temperature at 18 degrees Celsius, dewpoint minus 6 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 30.21 inches of Mercury. The density altitude was calculated by the Investigator-In-Charge at 4,977 feet. Despite several attempts by the Investigator-In-Charge, the pilot failed to return the completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2).

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:00 MST
Nearest AirportEl Paso International Airport (0nm)
Runway26L
Runway Length9025 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWaco UKS-7
Tail NumberN17721
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRobert M Reinauer
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · W-670 · Reciprocating · 250
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 56 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 21 C
Altimeter30.20 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data