Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing gusty wind conditions and likely windshear encounter and his failure to maintain an adequate airspeed that resulted in a stall/mush.
NTSB analysis
Witnesses at the private dirt strip reported that it was windy during the time of the accident, though neither the pilot nor the witnesses were able to recall the exact wind velocity. The pilot reported that after clearing trees, the wind changed from a right quartering headwind and he was "blown out of the air." He was able to level the airplane before it impacted the ground and cartwheeled. The airplane came to rest in a nose down attitude abutting a tree. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for LAX08CA275 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 21, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Sheridan, Wyoming
- Nearest airport
- Private Dirt Strip (none)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-11
- N-number
- N1106T
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.