No fatalities

Taxiing Accident Results in Wing Strike with Lamp Post

Rock Springs, WY, United States

On January 11, 2018, a SWEARINGEN SA227 AT operated by Ameriflight, LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Rock Springs, WY. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while taxiing in gusting tailwind conditions. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 15 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

While taxiing with a tailwind, the pilot lost directional control, departed the ramp, and struck a lamp post, causing substantial damage to the left wing. No mechanical issues were reported.

Event Details

According to the pilot's report, during taxiing with a tailwind, the airplane began moving too fast. The pilot applied brakes and reverse thrust of the engines in an attempt to slow down. An attempt to turn the airplane was unsuccessful. A strong crosswind then forced the airplane to the left and off the airport parking ramp. Subsequently, the airplane struck a lamp post and came to rest.

Damage

The left wing of the airplane sustained substantial damage as a result of the collision with the lamp post.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.

Weather Conditions

The automated weather observation system at the accident airport reported that, around the time of the incident, the wind was from 280° at 21 knots, gusting to 27 knots.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operationContributed to outcome