On September 24, 2010, a PIPER PA-18-150 operated by GASTON GERALD M was involved in an aviation accident near White Sulphur Springs, MT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a go-around in turbulent wind conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot landing a single-engine tailwheel aircraft in a field dragged wheels to test terrain, then encountered severe turbulence during go-around, forcing the aircraft through trees into ground. Post-impact fire consumed the aircraft.
Accident Summary
A pilot flying a single-engine, tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he planned to land in an open field in front of a friend's mountain cabin. During the first approach, the pilot "dragged" the wheels across the landing area to assess the roughness of the terrain. He then initiated a go-around with the intention of landing on the next pass.
Turbulence Encounter
Immediately after beginning the go-around, the pilot encountered severe turbulence over tree-populated terrain surrounding the landing area. The turbulence forced the airplane downward through the trees and into the ground. The pilot subsequently egressed the cockpit. The airplane was consumed by a post-impact fire.
Aircraft and Engine Status
The pilot stated that the airplane and engine experienced no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.
Contributing factors
Causes
PilotPerformance/control parameters — Not attained/maintained
What happened in the 24 Sept 2010 PIPER PA-18-150 accident near White Sulphur Springs, MT?
A pilot landing a single-engine tailwheel aircraft in a field dragged wheels to test terrain, then encountered severe turbulence during go-around, forcing the aircraft through trees into ground. Post-impact fire consumed the aircraft.
Were there any fatalities in the 24 Sept 2010 PIPER PA-18-150 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Sept 2010 involved a PIPER PA-18-150, operated by GASTON GERALD M, at White Sulphur Springs, MT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a go-around in turbulent wind conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…