Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CEN12CA454

Jenks, OK, USA

Aircraft #1

N83604

PIPER PA-18-150

Analysis

The pilot was landing the tailwheel-equipped airplane on a rural grass runway. At the midpoint of the 1,000-foot runway, the airplane was still airborne, but the pilot reported that he elected not to go around because of trees and power lines near the departure end of the runway. After the airplane touched down, and while it was still moving about 20 mph, it impacted obstructions at the end of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, the right aileron, and the upper fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.

Factual Information

The solo private pilot was landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a rural grass runway. At the mid-point of the 1,000 foot long runway the airplane was still airborne, but the pilot reported that he elected not to go-around because of trees and power lines on the departure end of the runway. The airplane was still moving about 20 mph when it impacted obstructions at the end of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, the right aileron, and the upper fuselage. The pilot also reported that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to achieve a proper touchdown point during landing, which resulted in a runway overrun and impact with obstructions.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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