Incident Overview

Date: Wednesday 10 January 2018
Aircraft Type: Fairchild SA227-AT Merlin IVC
Owner/operator: Ameriflight
Registration Number: N561UP
Location: Rock Springs-Sweetwater County Airport, WY (RKS) – ÿ United States of America
Phase of Flight: Taxi
Status: Substantial, repaired
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Component Affected: Left wingLeft wing
Investigating Agency: NTSBNTSB
Category: Accident
A pilot reported a near-miss incident involving a plane moving too fast in a strong tailwind. The pilot initiated braking and reverse thrust to regain control, but was unable to turn, resulting in a collision with a lamp post. The aircraft sustained significant damage to the left wing.A pilot reported a near-miss incident involving a plane moving too fast in a strong tailwind. The pilot initiated braking and reverse thrust to regain control, but was unable to turn, resulting in a collision with a lamp post. The aircraft sustained significant damage to the left wing.

Description

The pilot reported that, while taxing with a tailwind, he realized the airplane was moving too fast and applied brakes and reverse thrust of the engines. He added that he attempted to turn but was unable, and a strong crosswind “forced” the airplane to the left and off of the airport parking ramp. Subsequently, the airplane struck a lamp post and came to rest. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation system located at the accident airport reported, that about the time of the accident, the wind was from 280ø at 21 knots, gusting to 27 knots. PROBABLE CAUSE: “The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while taxiing in gusting tailwind conditions.”

Primary Cause

Pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while taxiing in gusting tailwind conditions.Pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while taxiing in gusting tailwind conditions.

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