On 27 Sep 2013, an AVIAT AIRCRAFT INC A-1C-200 was involved in an aviation accident near Dell, MT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while taxiing in gusting wind conditions. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot reported that while transitioning from landing roll to taxi on a gravel road with a tailwind, a gust lifted the tail, causing the airplane to rotate and the left wing to collide with a fence, resulting in substantial damage.
Accident Narrative
A pilot was performing a landing on a gravel road. After touching down, while shifting from the landing roll to taxi, the aircraft encountered a tailwind of 12 to 15 knots. According to the pilot, a gust of wind then lifted the tail of the airplane. This caused the aircraft to rotate, and the left wing subsequently struck a fence alongside the road.
The impact resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and its associated lift strut. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have prevented normal operation. The investigation did not identify any issues with the aircraft's systems or structure prior to the event.
Contributing factors
Causes
Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot