Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA18CA422

Palmer, AK, USA

Aircraft #1

N3982Z

Piper PA18S

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll on a soft-field runaway, the tail started to lift. He maintained aft pressure on the control stick, but the tail continued to lift, and the airplane nosed over.  The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left and right wing lift struts.  The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot added that the wind was from 110º at 6 knots. The airport’s automated weather observation station reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was calm. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 16.

Factual Information

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll on a soft field runaway, the tail started to lift. He maintained aft pressure on the control stick, but the tail continued to lift, and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left and right wing lift struts. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot added that the wind was from 110º at 6 knots. The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was calm. The pilot landed on runway 16.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain pitch control during the landing roll.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Get all the details on your iPhone or iPad with:

Aviation Accidents App

In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports