Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CEN17LA023

Austin, TX, USA

Aircraft #1

N97634

STINSON 108

Analysis

The pilot was attempting to land the airplane after a cross-country flight. The pilot reported that he experienced difficulty controlling the airplane on the first attempted landing and conducted a go-around. During the second approach, the wind sheared at altitude, and the pilot had control problems. When the airplane touched down, he applied the left brake while pulling completely aft on the flight control yoke. The airplane rolled left, and the left wing struck the runway. The airplane subsequently nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage. The wind was recorded from 200° at 14 kts with gusts to 18 kts. It is likely the pilot did not maintain directional control during the landing with gusting wind conditions.

Factual Information

***This report was modified on August 20, 2020. Please see the docket for this accident to view the original report.*** On October 18, 2016, about 1020 central daylight time, a Stinson 108 airplane, N97634, was involved in an accident at Austin Executive Airport (EDC), Austin, Texas. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, and no flight plan was filed. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who responded to the accident reported that the pilot was flying the airplane from Zuehl Airport, near Marion, Texas, to EDC. The pilot reported to the FAA inspector that he experienced difficulty controlling the airplane on the first attempted landing and he conducted a go around. The pilot stated that during the second approach, the wind sheared at altitude and caused control problems. When the airplane touched down the pilot applied the left brake and pulled completely aft on the flight control yoke. The airplane rolled left and the left wing struck the runway and the airplane nosed over. An outboard section of the left wing and aileron were bent. The pilot was sent a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) accident report form to complete twice and the NTSB has not received a completed report as of the date this report was published.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in gusting wind conditions.

 

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