Tailwheel Aircraft Impacts Power Line Pole After Wind Shift

Casualties unknown • Midland, TX, US

A commercial pilot lost control of a tailwheel-equipped airplane during the landing roll when a sudden wind shift created a gusty tailwind, resulting in a collision with a power line pole.

What happened

The event began during the landing roll on runway 16. According to a witness, the pilot initially performed a successful landing on the centerline of the runway. However, once all three wheels were on the ground, the aircraft began drifting toward the left of the centerline.

As the left main wheel departed the pavement and the right wing began to lift, the pilot advanced the engine to full power. At this moment, the wind conditions changed significantly; a witness noted that the winds shifted from a quartering headwind to a gusting quartering tailwind. While the aircraft successfully cleared the airport's perimeter fence, the left wing subsequently struck a power line pole.

Weather reports from Midland International Airport, located 9 nautical miles northwest, indicated winds from 230 degrees at 11 knots. The pilot reported different conditions, noting southwest winds at 15 knots with gusts up to 20 knots. There were no injuries reported in the accident.

Probable cause

The pilot lost control of the tailwheel-equipped aircraft due to a sudden shift in wind direction from a quartering headwind to a gusting quartering tailwind during the landing roll.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-06-13 Piper J3 accident near Midland, TX?

A commercial pilot lost control of a tailwheel-equipped airplane during the landing roll when a sudden wind shift created a gusty tailwind, resulting in a collision with a power line pole.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-06-13 involved a Piper J3, registration N42559, at Midland, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot lost control of the tailwheel-equipped aircraft due to a sudden shift in wind direction from a quartering headwind to a gusting quartering tailwind during the landing roll.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10311. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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