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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

November 2, 2008 · Piper PA18-150 · N18338

Colorado Springs, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 2, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Colorado Springs, CO
Aircraft
Piper PA18-150
Tail Number
N18338
Operator
Conrad Lapp
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN09CA079

According to the pilot, he was attempting to depart from an unimproved private airstrip. As the airplane rotated for lift-off at 35 to 40 miles per hour, it was "hit by a dust devil." The airplane rotated ninety degrees to the right and the application of full opposite control inputs failed to re-establish directional control. The airplane impacted terrain, causing the left landing gear to collapse, followed by the collapse of the right landing gear and resulting in multiple propeller ground strikes. The airplane sustained a bent right wing spar. The pilot reported the weather conditions at the time of the accident as a variable 7- to 10-knot wind, gusting to 12 to 15 knots. An hourly weather observation taken at the time of the accident 39 miles west of the accident site showed the wind to be 170 at four knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

According to the pilot, he was attempting to depart from an unimproved private airstrip. As the airplane rotated for lift-off at 35 to 40 miles per hour, it was "hit by a dust devil." The airplane rotated ninety degrees to the right and the application of full opposite control inputs failed to re-establish directional control. The airplane impacted terrain causing the left landing gear to collapse, followed by the collapse of the right landing gear, which resulted in multiple propeller ground strikes. The airplane sustained a bent right wing spar. The pilot reported the weather conditions at the time of the accident as a variable seven to ten knot wind, gusting to 12 to 15 knots. An hourly weather observation taken at the time of the accident 39 miles west of the accident site showed the wind to be 170 at four knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:11 MST
Nearest AirportPrivate Airstrip (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA18-150
Tail NumberN18338
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorConrad Lapp
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · 0-320 A2B · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 67 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindGusting 15 kt
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 27 C
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time16:25
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data