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PIPER PA-18 NO SERIES accident at Vega, TX, 26 May 2025
On May 26, 2025, a PIPER PA-18 NO SERIES operated by N7175D LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Vega, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The airplane’s inadvertent encounter with a localized low boundary layer, which caused a wind shift, and a gusting tailwind during final approach, that resulted in the pilot deciding to impact a wind cone and a subsequent impact with terrain. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
The airplane’s inadvertent encounter with a localized low boundary layer, which caused a wind shift, and a gusting tailwind during final approach, that resulted in the pilot deciding to impact a wind cone and a subsequent impact with terrain. Contributing was the low-level convective turbulence.
— NTSB Determination
Contributing factors
PilotEffect on equipmentContributed to outcomeAwareness of conditionAbility to respond/compensate
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 26 May 2025 PIPER PA-18 NO SERIES accident near Vega, TX?
The airplane’s inadvertent encounter with a localized low boundary layer, which caused a wind shift, and a gusting tailwind during final approach, that resulted in the pilot deciding to impact a wind cone and a subsequent impact with terrain. Contributing was the low-level convective turbulence.
Were there any fatalities in the 26 May 2025 PIPER PA-18 NO SERIES accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 May 2025 involved a PIPER PA-18 NO SERIES, operated by N7175D LLC, at Vega, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The airplane’s inadvertent encounter with a localized low boundary layer, which caused a wind shift, and a gusting tailwind during final approach, that resulted in the pilot deciding to impact a wind cone and a subsequent impact with terrain. Contributing was the low-level convective turbulence.
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