Stinson 108-2 nose tip and wing impact during taxi

Casualties unknown • Richland, WA, US

A Stinson 108-2 experienced a nose-over and wing strike after the pilot applied heavy braking while taxiing behind an ultralight aircraft.

What happened

A pilot operating a Stinson 108-2 was taxiing toward runway 19 for departure. During the taxi, the aircraft was following an ultralight aircraft that had decided to perform an intersection departure from runway 25. The pilot of the ultralight transmitted his intention to depart via the intersection and subsequently stopped his aircraft at the point where the taxiway leading to runway 19 crossed runway 25.

The pilot of the Stinson heard the radio call regarding the departure but failed to realize that the ultralight was positioned at the intersection. Consequently, the Stinson pilot continued to taxi across runway 25. Upon entering the runway, the pilot observed the ultralight directly in front of him and applied the brakes forcefully. This sudden braking caused the Stinson 108-2 to tip forward onto its nose, resulting in the aircraft's right wing impacting the ultralight.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to recognize that the ultralight was occupying the intersection during an intersection departure, followed by the application of heavy braking, led to the aircraft tipping on its nose and striking the other aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-01-04 Stinson 108-2 accident near Richland, WA?

A Stinson 108-2 experienced a nose-over and wing strike after the pilot applied heavy braking while taxiing behind an ultralight aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-01-04 involved a Stinson 108-2, registration N9467K, at Richland, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to recognize that the ultralight was occupying the intersection during an intersection departure, followed by the application of heavy braking, led to the aircraft tipping on its nose and striking the other aircraft.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07360. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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