On September 29, 2001, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N999MP) was involved in an aviation accident near Deming, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusty wind conditions, which resulted in a ground loop and runway excursion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A light aircraft inverted after a gust of wind lifted its right wing during takeoff, causing a ground loop and runway excursion at an airfield with moderate crosswinds.
What happened
The pilot reported that the accident occurred while he was conducting a takeoff roll on runway 08. During the acceleration phase, a gust of wind lifted the right wing of the aircraft. This aerodynamic disturbance caused the left wing to strike the pavement, initiating a ground loop to the left. The airplane subsequently exited the left side of the runway and came to rest in an inverted position.
The investigation
A manager for the fixed base operator provided weather data for the time of the accident. The wind was blowing from 170 degrees at 15 knots, with gusts ranging from 20 to 25 knots. These conditions likely contributed to the loss of directional control during the critical takeoff phase.
Findings
The pilot stated that he had accumulated 9 hours of flight time on the day of the accident. The combination of moderate crosswind and gusts during takeoff led to the structural upset and subsequent inversion of the aircraft.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusty wind conditions, which resulted in a ground loop and runway excursion.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 29 Sept 2001 Piper PA-18-150 accident near Deming, NM?
A light aircraft inverted after a gust of wind lifted its right wing during takeoff, causing a ground loop and runway excursion at an airfield with moderate crosswinds.
Were there any fatalities in the 29 Sept 2001 Piper PA-18-150 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Sept 2001 involved a Piper PA-18-150, registration N999MP, at Deming, NM.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusty wind conditions, which resulted in a ground loop and runway excursion.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…