Casualties unknown

Tailwheel Airplane Veers Left During Landing, Hits Rough Terrain (N8870Q)

Connell, WA, US

On August 21, 2002, an Aero Commander S2R THRUSH (registration N8870Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Connell, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for wind conditions and his failure to maintain directional control. Factors include rough uneven terrain. 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 commercial pilot landing a tailwheel airplane on runway 25 encountered a gust of wind, causing the aircraft to veer left onto rough terrain. The right main gear collapsed, damaging the wing spar and aileron.

Accident Sequence

A commercial pilot was landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on runway 25. During the landing rollout, the airplane encountered a gust of wind and veered to the left. The pilot attempted to regain the runway centerline, but the airplane continued to the left and entered rough terrain adjacent to the runway. According to the pilot, the winds at the time of the accident were from 190 degrees at 3 to 5 knots, gusting to 10 to 15 knots.

Damage

After contacting the rough terrain, the airplane's right main landing gear collapsed. The collapse resulted in substantial damage to the right wing spar and aileron. The wing spar, a primary structural component, was compromised, and the aileron, a flight control surface, was also affected. The aircraft sustained substantial damage as a result of the event.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X01621. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.