Stinson 108-1 N9016K accident near Boulder City, Nevada

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while taxiing with a gusting crosswind.

NTSB 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.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12LA045 for the full record.