FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Aircraft Overturns During Turn After Wing Tip Modification (N8065D)

Rangely, CO, US

On May 29, 1989, a Piper PA-22-150 (registration N8065D) operated by Lowell T Angle was involved in an aviation accident near Rangely, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT. THE HIGH WIND, GUSTS, THE PILOT'S LACK OF RECENT EXPERIENCE, AND HIS LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH THE AIRCRAFT'S NEW HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS WERE CONSIDERED TO BE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot lost control during a left turn on runway 24 due to gusty winds, causing the aircraft to invert. The first flight after a wing tip modification; the pilot cited lack of recent flight time and unfamiliarity with handling.

Accident Sequence

The pilot reported that while making a left turn onto runway 24, strong and gusty winds pushed the aircraft to the right side of the runway. The wind was estimated at 30 knots from 220 degrees. As the right (downwind) wheel dropped off the pavement, the left wing lifted. The propeller and right wing tip then contacted the ground, and the aircraft came to rest in an inverted position. Damage resulted from the propeller and wing tip striking the ground.

Pilot Account

The pilot stated that this was his first flight after a wing lift modification had been installed, which extended the wing tips. The aircraft had been in the shop for about 90 days, during which the pilot did not fly. He noted that he had lost "the edge" from lack of recent flight time and was not familiar with the new handling characteristics of the aircraft.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28300. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.