Swearingen SA227 N561UP

Summary

On 11 January 2018 at about 01:45 local time, a Swearingen SA227 registered N561UP, operated by Ameriflight, LLC, was involved in an accident near Rock Springs, Wyoming, United States. One person was on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

11 January 2018 at 01:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Rock Springs, Wyoming, United States

Nearest airport

Rock Springs-Sweetwater County (RKS)

Coordinates

41.5989, -109.0639

Aircraft

Swearingen SA227

Registration

N561UP

Category

Airplane

Year built

1983

Engines

2

Operator

Ameriflight, LLC

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Salt Lake City → Rock Springs

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Night

NTSB number

GAA18CA098

Nobody was injured.

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while taxiing in gusting tailwind conditions.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, while taxiing with a tailwind, he realized that the airplane was moving too fast and that he then applied brakes and reverse engine thrust. He added that he attempted to turn the airplane but was unable to do so and that a strong crosswind "forced" the airplane to the left and off 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 airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 280° at 21 knots, gusting to 27 knots.    

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.