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August 17, 2005 · Piper PA-18A-135 · N7172K

Cedaredge, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 17, 2005
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Cedaredge, CO
Aircraft
Piper PA-18A-135
Tail Number
N7172K
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN05CA129

According to the pilot, he was attempting to land on runway 35. While in the landing flare, the wind shifted from a headwind to a tailwind, resulting in a 15-20 knot tailwind and an increased groundspeed. The pilot stated that he attempted a go-around procedure. The airplane stalled and fell "about 15 feet onto a fence and rocks along the fence", causing substantial damage. According to the pilot, the wind was 160 at 12 knots with gusts of 18 knots and there was light turbulence at the time of the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control, and the pilot's improper in-flight planning. Contributing to the accident was the wind shift, resultant tailwind, and the inadvertent stall.

Full Narrative

On August 17, 2005, at 1430 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-18A-135, N7172K, piloted by a commercial pilot, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain during a go-around at the Flying W. Ranch Airport (KCO20), Cedaredge, Colorado. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot and passenger reported no injuries. The cross-country flight originated at Vernal, Utah, at 1300 MDT. According to the accident report submitted by the pilot, he was attempting to land on runway 35 and had overflown the runway to establish the wind direction. During the landing flare, the wind shifted from a headwind to a tailwind. The pilot stated that this shift in wind direction resulted in a 15-20 knot tailwind and an increased groundspeed. He attempted a go-around procedure and during a turn to avoid trees the airplane stalled and fell "about 15 feet onto a fence and rocks." The fuselage and firewall were both wrinkled, both wing struts bent, and the landing gear torn aft. The pilot reported no anomalies with any of the airplane systems. A further examination of the airplane systems, conducted by the FAA, revealed no anomalies. The Flying W. Ranch Airport (KCO20) is a private airstrip, owned by the pilot. According to airnav.com, runway 35 is 2,400 feet in length and 50 feet in width, uphill and used only for landing. At 1430 MDT, the Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) routine aviation weather report (METAR), which is located 22 NM south of the Flying W. Ranch Airport, issued a special report with the winds reported variable at 6 knots. Thunderstorms were in the vicinity of MTJ at the time of the accident. According to the pilot, the wind was 160 at 12 knots with gusts of 18 knots and there was light turbulence at the time of the accident. The pilot stated there was typical summer afternoon convection in the area but no active cells.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 MDT
Nearest AirportFlying W. Ranch Airport (1nm)
Runway35
Runway Length2400 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18A-135
Tail NumberN7172K
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-290-D2 · Reciprocating · 135
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 64 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind6 kt, gusting 18 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52
Altimeter30.15 inHg
Observation Time20:30
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data