Casualties unknown

Landing Swerve Results in Wing and Landing Gear Damage (N9967Q)

Boulder, CO, US

On July 25, 1989, a Piper PA-18-135 (registration N9967Q) operated by Dakota Ridge Aviation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Boulder, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT GROUND SWERVE AND SUBSEQUENT DAMAGE TO THE WING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that during a wheel landing on Runway 8 in light and variable winds, the aircraft swerved right. Despite corrective action, the left wing struck the ground between the runway and taxiway, bending the wing spar and damaging the main landing gear.

Event Summary

A pilot reported that a wheel landing was performed on Runway 8. The pilot estimated the winds as light and variable. During the landing roll, the aircraft unexpectedly swerved to the right. The pilot attempted to correct the swerve but was unable to prevent the deviation.

Aircraft Damage

As a result of the swerve, the left wing struck the ground in the area between the runway and the taxiway. The impact bent the left wing spar and caused damage to the main landing gear. Despite these structural issues, the pilot retained sufficient control to taxi the aircraft to the hangar after the occurrence.

Pilot Report

The pilot provided details of the event, noting that the landing was executed as a wheel landing on Runway 8. No other factors or contributing conditions were mentioned in the report. The aircraft was able to return to the hangar under its own power after the incident.

No injuries to the pilot or any other persons were reported. The aircraft sustained structural damage but remained operable for taxi.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28816. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.