Casualties unknown

Tailwheel Airplane Strikes Sand Dunes During Go-Around After Runway Excursion (N478RD)

Fabens, TX, US

On May 16, 2003, a Cessna A188B (registration N478RD) was involved in an aviation accident near Fabens, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance. The pilot's attempt to avoid an obstacle was a contributing factor. 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 tailwheel airplane drifted off the runway during landing roll, struck two sand dunes during a go-around attempt, and came to rest upright.

Accident Summary

A tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced a runway excursion during the landing roll on a 4,200-foot long, 60-foot wide asphalt runway. The pilot subsequently attempted a go-around, during which the aircraft struck two sand dunes before coming to rest upright.

Sequence of Events

During the landing roll, the airplane drifted off the right side of the runway. The pilot, who had accumulated 1,100 hours of flight time, initiated a go-around. As the airplane climbed, the main landing gear struck the top of a sand dune. The pilot then attempted to avoid a hill directly ahead and turned the airplane to the left. Shortly after, the main landing gear and tailwheel struck a second sand dune. The airplane landed hard and came to rest upright.

Pilot Information

The pilot had a total flight experience of 1,100 hours.

Environmental Conditions

At the time of the accident, the wind was reported as coming from approximately 340 degrees at 5 knots.

Additional Details

The accident occurred on a 4,200-foot long, 60-foot wide asphalt runway. The terrain surrounding the runway included sand dunes and a hill, which the pilot attempted to avoid during the go-around.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030522X00715. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.