Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA18CA583

Llano, TX, USA

Aircraft #1

N9496D

Piper PA18

Analysis

The pilot receiving instruction in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing, the airplane touched down abruptly. He added that he taxied to the edge of the runway and saw that the airplane was leaning left. The flight instructor reported that the pilot leveled off about 3 ft above the ground and allowed the airspeed to decrease. He added that he instructed the pilot to add power to "cushion the landing" and that the pilot attempted to do so, but the airplane continued to decelerate until it aerodynamically stalled and landed hard on the left main landing gear. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

The pilot receiving instruction in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing, the airplane touched downed abruptly. He added that he taxied to the edge of the runway and observed that the airplane was leaning to the left. The flight instructor reported that the pilot leveled off about 3 ft above the ground and allowed the airspeed to decrease. He added that he instructed the pilot to add power to "cushion the landing" and the pilot attempted to, but the airplane continued to decelerate until it aerodynamically stalled and landed hard on the left main landing gear. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's receiving instruction’s improper landing flare and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

 

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