Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CHI02LA098

Russell, KS, USA

Aircraft #1

N6156D

Piper PA-22-150

Analysis

The airplane sustained substantial damage when it nosed over during taxi for takeoff. The winds were reported as 020 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 18 knots. The pilot reported he had purchased the airplane one day prior to he accident. After about a three hour flight, he landed in order to refuel. After refueling, he back-taxied down runway 35 for takeoff. He reported the winds were 20-25 knots, and that a gust of wind hit the airplane. Within 10-15 seconds, the airplane had nosed over and was upside down. He reported the airplane did not have a mechanical malfunction. The pilot reported that he held a current Third Class Medical Certificate, but his last biennial flight review was on October 3, 1986.

Factual Information

On March 29, 2002, at 1530 central standard time, a Piper PA-22-150, N6156D, sustained substantial damage when it nosed over during taxi for takeoff. The private pilot was not injured. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was taxiing for departure at the Russell Municipal Airport (RSL), Russell, Kansas, en route to an unknown destination. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The winds at RSL were reported as 020 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 18 knots. The pilot reported he had purchased the airplane on March 28, 2002, in Sterling, Colorado. On March 29, 2002, he landed at RSL to refuel. After refueling, he back-taxied down runway 35 for takeoff. He reported the winds were 20-25 knots, and that a gust of wind hit the airplane. Within 10-15 seconds, the airplane had nosed over and was upside down. He reported the airplane did not have a mechanical malfunction. The pilot reported his last biennial flight review was on October 3, 1986. The pilot held a current Third Class Medical Certificate.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot failed to maintain control of the airplane during the back-taxi. Additional factors were the tailwind and the wind gust.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Get all the details on your iPhone or iPad with:

Aviation Accidents App

In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports