Thorp T-18CW N83MK

Summary

On 5 July 1991 at about 18:18 local time, a Thorp T-18CW registered N83MK, operated by James W. French, was involved in an accident near Wimberley, Texas, United States. 2 people were on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

5 July 1991 at 18:18

Classification

Accident

Location

Wimberley, Texas, United States

Nearest airport

Woodbreck (NONE)

Coordinates

Not recorded

Aircraft

Thorp T-18CW

Registration

N83MK

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

James W. French

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

San Marcos → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

FTW91LA117

1 person had minor injuries.

THE FAILURE OF THE AIRPORT PERSONNEL TO MAINTAIN THE AIRSTRIP IN AN OPERABLE CONDITION AND THE PILOTS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN RUNWAY ALIGNMENT ON TOUCHDOWN.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

DURING A LANDING ON A GRASS AIRSTRIP THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN RUNWAY ALIGNMENT ON TOUCHDOWN AND LOST CONTROL WHEN HIS LEFT MAIN WHEEL ENTERED LONG GRASS. LEFT WING CONTACTED 5 FOOT TALL WEEDS ADJACENT TO THE 40 FEET WIDE AIRSTRIP. THE AIRPLANE VEERED LEFT AND STRUCK A LARGE ANT MOUND RESULTING IN THE AIRPLANE GROUND LOOPING TO THE INVERTED POSITION. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT TOUCHDOWN OCCURRED TEN FEET LEFT OF RUNWAY CENTER.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.