# NTSB MKC87LA084: Thorp T-18, N218HW, Bowling Green, MO, April 20, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 20, 1987, 09:15 local (14:15 UTC)
- Place: Bowling Green, MO
- Coordinates: 39.329654, -91.190017 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.3297&lon=-91.1900&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 2, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34367
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC87LA084
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34367/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC87LA084

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - in flight, landing - flare/touchdown
  - weather condition - gusts
  - compensation for wind conditions - not maintained, pilot in command
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - remedial action - delayed, pilot in command
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - ditch
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PIC RPTDLY ENCOUNTERED A GUST OF WIND DURING THE LANDING FLARE. THE PIC LOST CONTROL AS ONE MAIN LANDING GEAR IMPACTED THE GROUND ABRUPTLY AND HIS HEAD HIT THE SIDE OF THE CANOPY. THE ACFT VEERED OFF THE SIDE OF THE RWY INTO TALL GRASS AND SOFT TERRAIN. THE PIC WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE ACFT BACK ONTO THE RWY AND EXECUTE A GO-AROUND. THE ACFT SUBSEQUENTLY IMPACTED INTO A DITCH WHICH WAS OBSCURED BY THE TALL GRASS AND FLIPPED INVERTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N218HW](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N218HW-2013-06-04), registration cancelled 2013-06-04, S/N A-532, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: THORP T-18
- Registry model: [Warren Howard T-18](https://openairdocs.org/model/warren-howard-t-18) (registry code 89510G4) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 532
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Norman W. Boldt
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, August 1, 1986, 40 hours before
- Departed: SILOAM SPRINGS, AR
- Airport: H19, Bowling Green, runway 13, 2,600 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 134 total, 71 in this make and model, 60 as pilot in command, 24 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 57 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: UIN, 35 nm away

## 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 19870420031849A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870420031849A), Apr 20, 1987: Amtrth THORPT18, Bowling Green, MO, Substantial damage. The aircraft veered off the side of the runway on landing. The pilot reported a gust of wind caused the mishap.

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.

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