On July 6, 2003, a Stinson 108-3 (registration N121N) was involved in an aviation accident near Vernal, UT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing, and his failure to maintain directional control during landing that resulted in an inadvertent ground loop/swerve. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing on runway 34, the tailwheel contacted first, causing a bounce. The pilot overcorrected, and the airplane skidded left wing down off the runway, sustaining wing skin wrinkles and rib damage.
Landing Sequence
The pilot was landing on runway 34. The tail wheel touched down first, and the airplane bounced on its main landing gear. In response, the pilot "overcorrected first right, then left," according to the accident report. The airplane then skidded "with the left wing down" and departed the left side of the runway.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination revealed that the top left wing skin was wrinkled and several ribs were damaged. The automated weather observing system (AWOS) reported calm wind conditions at the time of the accident.
Damage Assessment
The damage was confined to the left wing structure, specifically the upper skin and internal ribs. No other damage was noted in the report.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 6 Jul 2003 Stinson 108-3 accident near Vernal, UT?
During landing on runway 34, the tailwheel contacted first, causing a bounce. The pilot overcorrected, and the airplane skidded left wing down off the runway, sustaining wing skin wrinkles and rib damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 6 Jul 2003 Stinson 108-3 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 6 Jul 2003 involved a Stinson 108-3, registration N121N, at Vernal, UT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing, and his failure to maintain directional control during landing that resulted in an inadvertent ground loop/swerve.
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