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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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September 24, 2010 · Piper PA-18-150 · N4036E

White Sulphur Springs, MT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 24, 2010
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
White Sulphur Springs, MT
Aircraft
Piper PA-18-150
Tail Number
N4036E
Operator
Gaston Gerald M
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR10CA469

The pilot reported that he planned on landing his tailwheel-equipped airplane in an open field in front of a friend's mountain cabin. The pilot made his first approach to the landing area, dragging the airplane's wheels across the landing area to test the roughness of the terrain before landing. The pilot then initiated a go-around and planned on landing during the next pass. Immediately upon initiating the go-around, the pilot reported that he encountered severe turbulence over the tree-populated terrain outside the periphery of his landing area. The turbulence forced the airplane down through the trees and into the ground. The pilot egressed the cockpit and the airplane was consumed by a post-impact fire. The pilot stated that the airplane had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a go-around in turbulent wind conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he planned on landing his single-engine, tail wheel equipped, airplane in an open field in front of a friend's mountain cabin. The pilot made his first approach to the landing area and "dragged" his wheels across the landing area to test the roughness of the terrain before landing. The pilot then initiated a go-around and planned on landing during the next pass. Immediately upon initiating the go-around the pilot reported that he encountered severe turbulence over the tree populated terrain outside the periphery of his landing area. The turbulence forced the airplane down through the trees and into the ground. The pilot egressed the cockpit and the airplane was consumed by a post impact fire. The pilot stated that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18-150
Tail NumberN4036E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGaston Gerald M
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 67 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 11 kt, gusting 20 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 34 C
Altimeter30.20 inHg
Observation Time22:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data