On June 16, 1986, a Stinson 108-1 (registration N97201) operated by Taigh E. Ramey was involved in an aviation accident near Quincy, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff in crosswind conditions, compounded by inadequate proficiency in this specific aircraft type. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercial pilot lost directional control during a crosswind takeoff attempt and aborted, causing the landing gear to collapse into a drainage ditch.
What happened
The commercial pilot and certified flight instructor attempted to initiate takeoff while conditions included a left crosswind component of approximately 40 degrees with wind speeds ranging from 15 to 25 knots. During the ground roll, the pilot lost directional control of the aircraft. In an effort to abort the takeoff, the landing gear collapsed, and the aircraft subsequently collided with a nearby drainage ditch.
The investigation
Review of the pilot's qualifications revealed a total flight time of 506 hours. However, only six hours of that experience were logged specifically in this model of aircraft.
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff in crosswind conditions, compounded by inadequate proficiency in this specific aircraft type.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 16 Jun 1986 Stinson 108-1 accident near Quincy, CA?
A commercial pilot lost directional control during a crosswind takeoff attempt and aborted, causing the landing gear to collapse into a drainage ditch.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Jun 1986 involved a Stinson 108-1, registration N97201, operated by Taigh E. Ramey, at Quincy, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff in crosswind conditions, compounded by inadequate proficiency in this specific aircraft type.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…