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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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April 1, 2003 · Piper PA-18A-150 · N6883B

Newcastle, WY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 1, 2003
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Newcastle, WY
Aircraft
Piper PA-18A-150
Tail Number
N6883B
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN03LA061

The pilot was "checking" cattle. While reversing course to the right, the airplane's wing tip impacted terrain. Subsequently the airplane cartwheeled, coming to rest inverted, substantially damaging the right wing, fuselage, and empennage. FAA records showed the pilot's last medical was dated February 1, 1994. The pilot failed to report having a current flight review. No record of an annual inspection was found.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain. Contributing factors include inadequate in-flight planning and decision making by the pilot, and the ground.

Full Narrative

On April 1, 2003, at approximately 1645 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-18A-150, N6883B, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain while maneuvering approximately 31 miles southwest of Newcastle, Wyoming. The private pilot and passenger sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91. No flight plan had been filed for the flight that had originated approximately 1500. The pilot did not submit an accident report due to personal injuries and extended hospitalization. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the pilot was "checking" cattle. He was reversing course to the right, to check on a newborn calf, when the right wing tip impacted terrain. Subsequently, the airplane cartwheeled, coming to rest inverted. The right wing was bent and wrinkled, and its spar was broken. the fuselage was crushed, and the empennage was wrinkled and bent. FAA records show the pilot's last medical was dated February 1, 1994. Documentation for the pilot's biennial flight review or the airplane's annual inspection were not found.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:45 MST
Nearest Airport31nm SSW
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18A-150
Tail NumberN6883B
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-20 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 40 · Second Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 39 C
Altimeter29.54 inHg
Observation Time01:02
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data