Casualties unknown

Piper PA-18-135 Encounters Whirlwind During Stop-and-Go Landing (N9845Q)

Lewiston, ID, US

On May 27, 2002, a Piper PA-18-135 (registration N9845Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Lewiston, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing resulting in the aircraft departing the runway environment and the wing impacting the ground. Contributing factors were the dustdevil/whirlwind which the aircraft encountered and the ditch. 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 practicing stop-and-go landings in a Piper PA-18-135 encountered a whirlwind, causing the aircraft to veer off runway 08, strike its left wingtip, and come to rest nose-down in a ditch.

Incident Overview

A pilot was performing a stop-and-go landing on runway 08 in a Piper PA-18-135 when the aircraft encountered a whirlwind. The sudden meteorological phenomenon caused the aircraft to veer off the runway. During the excursion, the left wingtip impacted the ground. The aircraft continued away from the runway and eventually came to rest nose-down in a ditch.

Environmental Conditions

Wind data recorded at the accident airport before and after the event indicated that wind speeds ranged from zero to seven knots, with directions consistently from the northeast quadrant. No wind gusts were reported during the morning and afternoon hours.

Aircraft Information

The aircraft involved was a Piper PA-18-135, a single-engine light utility aircraft commonly used for training and bush flying. No further details regarding the aircraft's registration or damage are provided in the source.

Outcome

The aircraft came to rest in a ditch with its nose pointing downward. The source does not specify any injuries to the pilot or other parties, nor does it mention the extent of damage beyond the left wingtip ground impact.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020612X00857. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.