On June 10, 1991, a Cessna 140 (registration N81074) operated by Stanley Joe Kindblade was involved in an aviation accident near Kenai, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The gust of wind that caused the right wing to rise and the left side of the airplane to contact the runway surface during a touch-and-go landing, resulting in the airplane nosing over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot performing a solo cross-country flight from Anchorage to Kenai experienced a gust of wind during a touch-and-go landing, causing the right wing to rise and the left side to contact the runway surface.
What happened
The accident occurred during a solo cross-country flight operated by a student pilot. The flight plan involved a route from Anchorage, specifically departing from Lake Hood Strip, with a destination of Kenai for a touch-and-go landing before returning.
Upon arrival at Kenai, the pilot executed a touch-and-go maneuver. During this phase of flight, a gust of wind affected the aircraft's stability. The gust caused the right wing to rise unexpectedly. As a result, the left side of the airplane contacted the surface of the runway. This contact led to the airplane nosing over.
The investigation
Investigation into the incident relied on statements provided by the student pilot involved in the operation. No mechanical failure or other contributing factors were identified beyond the environmental conditions described during the landing phase.
Probable cause
The gust of wind that caused the right wing to rise and the left side of the airplane to contact the runway surface during a touch-and-go landing, resulting in the airplane nosing over.