Aircraft damage following wind gust during taxi at Salt Lake City #2 Airport

Casualties unknown • Salt Lake City, UT, US

An aircraft sustained significant structural damage after a wind gust caused the left wingtip to strike the ground while taxiing at Salt Lake City #2 Airport.

What happened

While en route to Salt Lake City #2 Airport, the pilot encountered severe wind turbulence. This turbulence necessitated two aborted landing attempts, with the pilot performing a go-around on each occasion. Although the third landing attempt was successful, the aircraft encountered a sudden gust of wind while taxiing to exit the runway.

This gust caused the left wingtip to strike the ground, which resulted in the aircraft rotating 360 degrees before coming to rest on its nose and left wing. After the pilot exited the aircraft, an additional wind gust caused the aircraft to overturn. The pilot was not injured during the sequence of events.

The aircraft sustained several points of damage, including a dented nose, a bent propeller, and damage to the vertical stabilizer and the left main landing gear. Additionally, the right wing was broken at the wing brace. At the time of the accident, winds were reported between 20 and 25 knots, with gusts reaching 30 to 35 knots.

Probable cause

A wind gust caused the left wingtip to strike the ground during taxiing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-05-10 Stinson 108-1 accident near Salt Lake City, UT?

An aircraft sustained significant structural damage after a wind gust caused the left wingtip to strike the ground while taxiing at Salt Lake City #2 Airport.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-05-10 involved a Stinson 108-1, registration N8178K, at Salt Lake City, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A wind gust caused the left wingtip to strike the ground during taxiing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10068. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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