On June 2, 2008, a Piper PA-22-135 operated by Kent S. Wroght was involved in an aviation accident near Logan, UT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Contributing to the accident was a crosswind wind gust. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a wheel landing on runway 17, a tailwheel airplane drifted right, then swerved left, skidded, turned 180 degrees, and exited the runway into soft dirt, causing substantial damage to the right wing and elevator.
Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that during the landing on runway 17, with winds from 200 degrees at five knots, gusting to 14 knots, the main landing gear settled onto the runway. The pilot then applied forward pressure to the control to initiate a wheel landing. Just before the tail wheel settled to the surface, the airplane began to drift to the right of the runway centerline and then swerved to the left. The pilot stated that this was "triggered by a crosswind gust, use of brakes, or clumsy footwork on the rudder that retarded the left wheel." The airplane skidded to the left, and the pilot was unable to correct the skid with full right rudder and aileron control. The airplane turned 180 degrees and exited the side of the runway into soft dirt.
Damage and Inspection
During the excursion, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing and right elevator contacted the surface, resulting in substantial damage. No evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction to the airplane was reported.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 2 Jun 2008 Piper PA-22-135 accident near Logan, UT?
During a wheel landing on runway 17, a tailwheel airplane drifted right, then swerved left, skidded, turned 180 degrees, and exited the runway into soft dirt, causing substantial damage to the right wing and elevator.
Were there any fatalities in the 2 Jun 2008 Piper PA-22-135 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Jun 2008 involved a Piper PA-22-135, operated by Kent S. Wroght, at Logan, UT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Contributing to the accident was a crosswind wind gust.