Casualties unknown

1988-07-31: Stinson 108 (N97395) — Ward, Rodney G. — Lordsburg, NM

Lordsburg, NM, US

On July 31, 1988, a Stinson 108 (registration N97395) operated by Ward, Rodney G. was involved in an aviation accident near Lordsburg, NM. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff, the aircraft swerved left and the pilot aborted. On the second attempt, it again swerved left, departed the runway, entered loose sand, and nosed over. The pilot reported the tailwheel stuck off-center. No evidence was found to explain the loss of directional control.

Accident Sequence

The aircraft experienced directional control issues during two takeoff attempts. On the first attempt, the airplane swerved to the left, prompting the pilot to abort the takeoff. During the second takeoff attempt, the airplane again swerved to the left, departed the runway, and entered loose sand off the left side. Subsequently, the aircraft nosed over.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that he had accumulated ten takeoffs and landings in this specific airplane. He reported that he felt the tailwheel had become stuck off-center, which he believed contributed to the loss of directional control.

Post-Accident Inspection

A post-accident inspection was conducted by an FAA airworthiness inspector. The inspection revealed no evidence to explain the reported loss of directional control during the takeoff maneuvers.

Additional Details

The incident occurred during takeoff operations. The aircraft entered loose terrain after departing the runway surface, which led to the nose-over event. No further mechanical anomalies were identified during the inspection.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X26221. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.