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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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June 21, 2023 · John Topliff PA18-200EXP · N356AW

Truckee, CA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 21, 2023
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Truckee, CA
Aircraft
John Topliff PA18-200EXP (2013)
Tail Number
N356AW
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR23LA235

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that he had been approved by air traffic control (ATC), to enter the traffic pattern for runway 11. On final approach, ATC advised the pilot that the wind had changed, and suggested a straight in approach to land runway 02. The pilot accepted the suggestion and clearance to land runway 02. The airplane touched down on its main landing gear and as the tailwheel settled to the ground, the tail “was pushed around.” The airplane ground looped and came to a stop in the grass beside the runway. Once on the ground, the pilot noticed that multiple windsocks on the airport were displaying different wind directions and suspected the airplane had encountered a strong crosswind. The left wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

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

Full Narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that he had been approved by air traffic control (ATC), to enter the traffic pattern for runway 11. On final approach, ATC advised the pilot that the wind had changed, and suggested a straight in approach to land runway 02. The pilot accepted the suggestion and clearance to land runway 02. The airplane touched down on its main landing gear and as the tailwheel settled to the ground, the tail “was pushed around.” The airplane ground looped and came to a stop in the grass beside the runway. Once on the ground, the pilot noticed that multiple windsocks on the airport were displaying different wind directions and suspected the airplane had encountered a strong crosswind. The left wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 PDT
Nearest AirportTruckee-Tahoe (0nm)
Runway02
Runway Length4654 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftJohn Topliff PA18-200EXP
Tail NumberN356AW
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-A1A · Reciprocating · 200
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 68 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind5 kt
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 25 F
Altimeter30.11 inHg
Observation Time15:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data