On July 8, 1995, a Piper PA-12 (registration N7608H) was involved in an aviation accident near Meriden, CT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for wind conditions. Contributing factors were wind gusts, crosswinds, and the pilot's lack of experience in type. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a solo landing on runway 18, a gust of wind caused a ground loop to the right, leading to a runway excursion. The left main landing gear bogged down in soft sand, causing the wing to strike the ground.
Accident Details
The pilot, who had just received dual instruction and was endorsed for solo flight in this tailwheel airplane, was performing his second solo landing on runway 18. According to the pilot, a gust of wind caused the airplane to ground loop to the right, and it subsequently departed the runway. The left main landing gear bogged down in soft sand, resulting in the wing striking the ground.
Environmental Conditions
The wind was from the southwest at 10 to 12 knots with gusts to 15 knots. Visibility was 7 miles, the temperature was 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and the runway was dry.
Pilot Experience
The pilot had accumulated 5.7 hours in this make and model of airplane during the last 90 days.