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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

February 16, 2011 · Piper PA18 150 · N7153Z

Twin Falls, ID

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 16, 2011
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Twin Falls, ID
Aircraft
Piper PA18 150
Tail Number
N7153Z
Operator
Mike Walker
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR11LA136

The pilot was completing multiple check rides in various airplanes that were scheduled over a couple of days. He stated that the wind was too strong the first day to complete the check ride in the accident airplane. On the second day, the pilot and the check airman departed with the wind from 180 degrees at 18 knots, gusting to 22 knots. After completing some air work, they returned for landing, and the wind had increased to 33 knots with gusts to 39 knots. The first landing attempt resulted in a go-around. The pilot successfully landed on the second attempt, and came to a full stop on the runway centerline. However, with the brakes set and the engine idling, the airplane was blown over by a quartering tail wind and came to rest inverted.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to compensate for the wind, which resulted in the airplane being blown over after completion of the landing roll.

Full Narrative

On February 16, 2011, about 0830 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-18-150, N7153Z, nosed over during landing at Twin Falls, Idaho. The owner/pilot was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 135. The airline transport pilot and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airline transport pilot rated check airman sustained minor injuries; the airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder and vertical stabilizer. The local check flight departed Twin Falls about 0800. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The pilot was completing a Part 135.293(b) check ride, which was required yearly. Multiple check rides in various airplanes, including an oral and pilot record’s check, were scheduled over a 3-day period, but was eventually reduced to 2 days. The pilot stated that the winds were too strong the first day to complete the check ride in the accident airplane. On the second day, the pilot and check airman noted that the wind at the time of departure was from 180 degrees at 18 knots gusting to 22 knots on runway 25. After completing air work, they returned for landing. The pilot stated that during the flight, the wind had increased to 33 knots with gusts to 39 knots. The first landing attempt resulted in a go-around. The pilot successfully landed on the second attempt, and came to a full stop on the runway centerline. With the brakes set and the engine idling, the airplane was blown over by a quartering tail wind. The pilot stated that weather had caused delays on two previous occasions, and he lived in a different state than the check airman. He decided that he wanted to get the check rides done so that he could return home. His recommendation was that he should have cancelled the check ride again, and scheduled it another day.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:30 MST
Nearest AirportTwin Falls Joslin Field (0nm)
Runway25
Runway Length8703 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA18 150
Tail NumberN7153Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMike Walker
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 65 · Second Class · Minor
Crew 2Age 31 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 18 kt, gusting 25 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 25 C
Altimeter29.45 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data