Piper PA-18-135 sustains damage after veering off runway during whirlwind encounter

Casualties unknown • Lewiston, ID, US

A Piper PA-18-135 sustained ground contact with its left wingtip after veering off the runway due to a whirlwind. The aircraft came to rest nose down in a ditch following the incident.

What happened

The pilot was conducting practice stop-and-go landings on runway 08 when the Piper PA-18-135 encountered a whirlwind. During this encounter, the aircraft veered off the paved surface. The left wingtip struck the ground as the plane continued moving away from the runway area. The aircraft eventually came to rest in a nose-down position within a ditch.

Findings

Weather conditions at the accident airport were recorded before and after the event with wind speeds ranging from zero to seven knots from the northeast quadrant. No gusts were reported during the morning or afternoon hours surrounding the incident.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft while practicing stop-and-go landings, which resulted in a whirlwind encounter and subsequent veering off the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-05-27 Piper PA-18-135 accident near Lewiston, ID?

A Piper PA-18-135 sustained ground contact with its left wingtip after veering off the runway due to a whirlwind. The aircraft came to rest nose down in a ditch following the incident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-05-27 involved a Piper PA-18-135, registration N9845Q, at Lewiston, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft while practicing stop-and-go landings, which resulted in a whirlwind encounter and subsequent veering off the runway.

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.

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