# NTSB LAX00LA008: Stinson 108-3, N871C, Yuma, AZ, October 9, 1999 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: October 9, 1999, 07:00 local (14:00 UTC) - Place: Yuma, AZ - Coordinates: 32.720581, -114.509063 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.7206&lon=-114.5091&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report April 25, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 47552 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX00LA008 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/47552/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00LA008 ## Probable cause The pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing crosswind conditions. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll - weather condition - crosswind - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll - terrain condition - berm - terrain condition - ditch ## Analysis The pilot stated he was on landing rollout at a private dirt airstrip when a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the left side of the runway. The pilot tried to counter with rudder control, but was unable to prevent the airplane from departing the runway. The airplane hit a 2-foot-high berm and encountered a ditch. ## Factual narrative On October 9, 1999, about 0700 hours mountain standard time, a Stinson 108-3, N871C, sustained substantial damage when it collided with ground obstacles after veering off the left side of the runway while landing at a private dirt strip near Yuma, Arizona. The private pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot sustained minor injuries and the passenger was not injured. The personal flight originated from a private landing strip in Somerton, Arizona, about 0645. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot stated he was on landing rollout when a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the left side of the runway. The pilot tried to counter with rudder control, but was unable to prevent the airplane from departing the runway. The airplane hit a 2-foot-high berm and encountered a ditch, collapsing the right main landing gear and buckling the airframe in the gear attachment area. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N871C](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N871C-2003-05-05), registration cancelled 2003-05-05, S/N 108-3871, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Stinson 108-3 - Registry model: [Stinson 108-3](https://openairdocs.org/model/stinson-108-3) (registry code 9230408) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Franklin 6A4165 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6a4165-series) (registry code 27025, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 108-3871 - Engines: Franklin 6A4-165-B3 165 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Robert Eaton - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, December 19, 1998, 30 hours before - Departed: P49, SOMERTON, AZ - Airport: NONE, Larry Boyd Farms, runway 15, 2,500 × 60 ft, dirt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 51; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 542 total, 42 in this make and model, 507 as pilot in command, 10 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 40° at 6 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 39 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: YUM ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 19991009030799A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19991009030799A), Oct 9, 1999: Univar 1083, Yuma, AZ, Substantial damage. (.19) On October 9, 1999, about 0700 hours mountain standard time, a Stinson 108-3, N871C, sustained substantial damage when it departed the left side of the… ## Other investigations on N871C (1) From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. - [NTSB LAX75DUJ90](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX75DUJ90), Jun 7, 1975: Stinson 108-3 (N871C), Tucson, AZ, substantial damage From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.