On April 15, 2002, a Piper PA-18 (registration N802DA) was involved in an aviation accident near Conway, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Gust of wind causing the airplane to swerve during taxi. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane collided with a ditch while taxiing to the ramp after landing. The pilot reported a gust of wind caused a swerve, leading to the left main wheel entering a ditch and the left wing tip striking the ground.
Event Overview
The airplane collided with a ditch as the pilot taxied to the ramp after landing. The left main wheel of the aircraft slid into a ditch located along the left side of the runway, causing the left wing tip to strike the ground.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that a gust of wind caused the airplane to swerve, and there was not enough time to correct the swerve before the wheel entered the ditch. The pilot reported no mechanical or engine problems prior to the accident.
Damage
The airframe sustained structural damage as a result of the collision and subsequent wing tip ground strike.
Probable cause
Gust of wind causing the airplane to swerve during taxi.