Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Ground Loop and Collision with Fence After Landing (N82259)

Hawthorne, NV, US

On September 24, 1997, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N82259) operated by Eric D. Pedersen was involved in an aviation accident near Hawthorne, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing wind condition and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that after landing, a gust of wind or dust devil caused the aircraft to turn right, leading to a ground loop and collision with a fence.

Incident Details

The pilot reported making a radio call on the CTAF frequency for airport advisories but received no response. After overflying the airport, the pilot observed the windsock indicating no wind. The pilot entered left traffic for runway 10.

Sequence of Events

Upon touchdown, as the aircraft slowed, a gust of wind or dust devil caused the aircraft to turn radically to the right. The aircraft began to ground loop. In an attempt to recover, the pilot added full power. The aircraft departed the runway on a stable heading and subsequently collided with a fence.

Aftermath

No further details were provided in the report. The aircraft sustained damage from the fence collision, though the extent of damage was not specified.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08891. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.