Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Factors include the pilot's fatigue, and trees near the side of the runway.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While attempting a landing, the 'extremely tired' pilot lost control of the tailwheel equipped aircraft, and departed the side of the runway. After going off the side of the runway, the aircraft impacted trees, and sustained substantial damage.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 7, 1994, at 1900 Pacific daylight time (PDT), a tailwheel equipped Stinson 108-3, N6276M, veered off the runway and collided with trees while landing at Ione Municipal Airport, Ione, Washington. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, was not injured, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan was filed. There was no report of an ELT activation. According to the pilot, she experienced a considerable amount of turbulence during the flight, and was "extremely tired" upon arrival at Ione. While attempting to land at Ione Municipal Airport, the aircraft veered slightly to the left of the centerline, the pilot over-corrected to the right, and ran off the runway. The aircraft then hit a tree, causing substantial damage to the prop and right wing. -