On 6 Oct 2016, a PIPER PA18 A150 operated by Flying B Aviation LLC. was involved in an aviation accident near Hanna, WY. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in shifting wind conditions. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A tailwheel airplane encountered a sudden wind shift during landing on a dirt road, causing it to drift, abort the landing, and veer into a ditch and fence, resulting in substantial damage to the left elevator.
Incident Details
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during a landing on a dirt road with a left quartering crosswind, the wind changed suddenly. As a result, the airplane drifted to the right. The pilot applied power to abort the landing, but the right main landing gear dropped off the side of the dirt road. The airplane then veered hard to the right into a ditch and a wire fence.
Damage Assessment
The left elevator sustained substantial damage. No other damage was reported.
Mechanical Status
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
Causes
PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained
Other contributing factors
Ability to respond/compensateContributed to outcome