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NTSB Report

June 30, 2003 · Stinson 108-3 · N6216M

St. Johns, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 30, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
St. Johns, AZ
Aircraft
Stinson 108-3
Tail Number
N6216M
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX03CA219

The airplane ground looped during the landing roll out on runway 14. The pilot checked the automated surface observation system (ASOS) and noted it was an hour old. He then overflew the airport and checked the windsock. The windsock was indicating wind conditions 180 degrees different than the ASOS. The pilot then called on the Unicom and verified that the winds were blowing opposite the direction as indicated on the ASOS. The Unicom operator, who is also the airport manager, confirmed the pilot's observation, and the pilot landed the airplane. During the landing roll out, the wind shifted from a right quartering headwind to a right quartering tailwind that blew the airplane to the right. It ground looped, impacted a ditch, and bent the left wing approximately 3 feet inboard of the wing tip. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions prior to the accident. The METAR reports for the St. Johns airport were reviewed. At 1154, the winds were from 260 degrees at 14 knots. For the 1254 observation, the winds were from 300 degrees at 7 knots, gusting to 15; the winds during the hour were noted to be variable from 230 to 030 degrees.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusting and shifting wind conditions, which resulted in a failure to maintain directional control and a ground loop. The gusting and shifting wind conditions were factors in the accident.

Full Narrative

On June 30, 2003, at 1145 mountain standard time, a Stinson 108-3, N6216M, ground looped during the landing roll out on runway 14 at St. Johns Industrial Airpark (SJN), St. Johns, Arizona. The owner/pilot was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot was not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight departed Las Vegas Municipal Airport (LSV), Las Vegas, New Mexico, about 11:45 central daylight time. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The pilot reported the purpose of landing at St. Johns was to refuel. He checked the automated surface observation system (ASOS) and noted it was an hour old. He then overflew the airport and checked the windsock. The windsock was indicating wind conditions 180 degrees different than the ASOS. The pilot then called on the Unicom and verified that the winds were blowing opposite the direction as indicated on the ASOS. The Unicom operator, who is also the airport manager, confirmed the pilot's observation, and the pilot landed the airplane. During the landing roll out, the wind shifted from a right quartering headwind to a right quartering tailwind that blew the airplane to the right. It ground looped, impacted a ditch, and bent the left wing approximately 3 feet inboard of the wing tip. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions prior to the accident. The METAR reports for the St. Johns airport were reviewed. At 1154, the winds were from 260 degrees at 14 knots. For the 1254 observation, the winds were from 300 degrees at 7 knots, gusting to 15; the winds during the hour were noted to be variable from 230 to 030 degrees.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:45 MST
Nearest AirportSt. Johns Industrial Airport (0nm)
Runway14
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftStinson 108-3
Tail NumberN6216M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-360H · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 62 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 12 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point32 C
Altimeter30.21 inHg
Observation Time18:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data