# NTSB WPR12LA045: Stinson 108-1, N9016K, Boulder City, NV, November 19, 2011 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: November 18, 2011, 16:00 local (Nov 19, 2011, 00:00 UTC) - Place: Boulder City, NV - Coordinates: 35.947498, -114.861114 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.9475&lon=-114.8611&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Taxi-from runway: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report February 12, 2013 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Western Pacific Region - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 82359 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR12LA045 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/82359/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=82359 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12LA045 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while taxiing with a gusting crosswind. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Wind: crosswind](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Stinson 108-1, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040/cases.md?model=9230404), [All aircraft, 1,008 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040/cases.md) - [Wind: gusts](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Stinson 108-1, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md?model=9230404), [All aircraft, 1,199 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Stinson 108-1, 10 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=9230404), [All aircraft, 3,958 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Stinson 108-1, 10 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=9230404), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Taxi-from runway: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) (defining event); cases with it: [Stinson 108-1, 13 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=9230404), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot reported that he landed with a gusting crosswind of 18 to 27 knots. At the end of the runway he made a 180 degree turn to back-taxi to the intersection for the ramp. During the back-taxi, the airplane veered to the right. The pilot applied the left brake, but it did not have enough braking action to stop the turn. The pilot also applied left rudder control and increased power for more rudder authority, but the airplane subsequently departed the runway pavement. The right main gear leg folded under the fuselage, the nose dug into the dirt breaking the wooden propeller, and the right wing tip contacted the ground. Postaccident examination of both the left and right brake systems revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Fluid was found in both master cylinder reservoirs. Pedal pressure was even, firm, and normal. When brake pedal pressure was applied, both left and right calipers compressed against the rotors and released normally. Given the gusting crosswind, the wind likely led to the pilot’s loss of directional control. ## Factual narrative On November 18, 2011, about 1600 Pacific standard time, a Stinson 108-1, N9016K, ground looped while taxiing following landing on runway 27 at the Boulder City Municipal Airport, Boulder City, Nevada. The airplane was substantially damaged, and the airline transport certificated pilot was not injured. The flight was performed under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The pilot had just purchased the airplane and he was en route home during the personal flight. The flight originated from Cedar City, Utah, about 1330. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) personnel examined the airplane. The FAA personnel reported observing that the outboard right wing rib (inboard of the wing tip) was broken. Also a fuselage lower longeron was broken, and lower skin/frames were deformed/crushed where the right landing gear had separated from its attachment structure. Major structural repairs would be required to restore the airplane’s airworthiness. During a telephone conversation with FAA inspectors, the pilot stated he was flying from Cedar City, Utah to Lake Havasu, Arizona. During the flight he decided to land at Boulder City (BVU) Nevada because he did not want to land in Bullhead City at night. It was windy that evening, AWOS stated winds at 190 degrees gusting at 18 to 27 knots. He landed on 27L at Boulder City airport. At the end of the runway he made a 180 degree turn to back-taxi to the intersection for the ramp. During the back-taxi the aircraft veered to the right. The pilot applied the left brake but it did not have enough braking action to stop the turn to the right. He also applied left rudder control and increased power for more rudder authority. The aircraft departed the runway pavement on the right side and the right main gear leg folded under the fuselage and the nose dug into the dirt breaking the wooden propeller and the right wing tip contacted the ground. FAA Inspectors examined the brake system, and found both the left and right, to be operational. No mechanical malfunctions were noted. Fluid was found in both master cylinder reservoirs. Pedal pressure was even, firm, and normal. When brake pedal pressure was applied both left and right calipers compressed against rotors and released normally. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N9016K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9016K-2014-08-15), registration cancelled 2014-08-15, S/N 108-2016, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: STINSON 108-1 - Registry model: [Stinson 108-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/stinson-108-1) (registry code 9230404) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Franklin 6A4150 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6a4150-series) (registry code 27024, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 108-2016 - Engines: FRANKLIN 6A4150 SERIES 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: CDC, Cedar City, UT - Destination: BVU, Boulder City, NV - Airport: BVU, Boulder City Municipal, runway 27L, 4,800 × 75 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 57; injuries: none; airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; flight hours: 15,000 total, 5 in this make and model, 7,000 as pilot in command, 5 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 200° at 17 knots, gusting 23 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 23 °F - Altimeter: 29.64 inHg - Observed at: BVU ## 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 20111118026799A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20111118026799A), Nov 18, 2011: Stinson 108-1, Boulder, NV, Substantial damage. [privacy data omitted] Stated he was flying from cedar city, Utah to lake havasu Arizona. During the flight he decided to land at Boulder City (bvu) Nevada… ## Other investigations on N9016K (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 SEA87IA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA87IA093), May 9, 1987: Stinson 108-1 (N9016K), Idaho Falls, ID, incident, minor damage ## Docket (9 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on December 18, 2012, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=82359. 9.0 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 2.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40360854&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Meteorological Information (item 2, .PDF, 63 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40360855&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Meteorological%20Information-Master.PDF - Record of Conversation - FAA Inspector (item 3, .PDF, 27 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40383595&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20-%20FAA%20Inspector-Master.PDF - Photo 1. Airplane, front view. Photo by Airport Manager. (item 4, .PDF, 487 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40360857&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201.%20Airplane,%20front%20view.%20Photo%20by%20Airport%20Manager.-Master.PDF - Photo 2. Airplane, left side. Photo by Airport Manager. (item 5, .PDF, 1.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40360858&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%202.%20%20Airplane,%20left%20side.%20%20Photo%20by%20Airport%20Manager.-Master.PDF - Photo 3. Airplane, right side broken frames. Photo by FAA. (item 6, .PDF, 251 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40360859&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%203.%20Airplane,%20right%20side%20broken%20frames.%20Photo%20by%20FAA.-Master.PDF - Photo 4. Airplane, right side. Photo by Airport Manager. (item 7, .PDF, 1.4 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40360860&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%204.%20Airplane,%20right%20side.%20Photo%20by%20Airport%20Manager.-Master.PDF - Photo 5. Right wing & aileron. Photo by Airport Manager. (item 8, .PDF, 1.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40360861&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%205.%20Right%20wing%20%26%20aileron.%20Photo%20by%20Airport%20Manager.-Master.PDF - Photo 6. Right wing & bent aileron. Photo by Airport Manager. (item 9, .PDF, 1.4 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40360863&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%206.%20Right%20wing%20%26%20bent%20aileron.%20Photo%20by%20Airport%20Manager.-Master.PDF 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.