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Tailwind Landing Rollovers Aircraft After Wingtip Contact (N6179M)

Pontiac, MI, US

On April 5, 1996, a Stinson 108-3 (registration N6179M) was involved in an aviation accident near Pontiac, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop and nose-over, due to wind conditions that lifted the tail and raised the right wing. 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 2026-06-21Data APIEditorial standards

A light aircraft nosed over following a ground loop during landing roll, triggered by wind lifting the tail and causing the left wingtip to strike the runway surface.

What happened

The pilot reported that during the landing roll, the wind caught the airplane's tail and raised the right wing. He stated the left wingtip contacted the runway and the airplane ground looped. The airplane then nosed over before coming to rest. The pilot reported that the winds were from 350 degrees at 12 knots.

The investigation

No mechanical examination details were provided in the source text.

Findings

  • Wind conditions: Winds from 350 degrees at 12 knots contributed to the tail lift.
  • Aircraft attitude: The wind caught the airplane's tail and raised the right wing.
  • Runway contact: The left wingtip contacted the runway during the ground loop.
  • Final position: The airplane nosed over before coming to rest.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop and nose-over, due to wind conditions that lifted the tail and raised the right wing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Apr 1996 Stinson 108-3 accident near Pontiac, MI?

A light aircraft nosed over following a ground loop during landing roll, triggered by wind lifting the tail and causing the left wingtip to strike the runway surface.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Apr 1996 Stinson 108-3 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Apr 1996 involved a Stinson 108-3, registration N6179M, at Pontiac, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop and nose-over, due to wind conditions that lifted the tail and raised the right wing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05538. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.