Gerlach, NV, USA
N2894P
Piper PA18
The pilot reported that, during approach to land on a dirt field, about 10 ft above ground level, the airplane yawed right, and the right wing aerodynamically stalled and impacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot of the tailwheel and tundra tire-equipped airplane reported that, during approach to land on a dirt field, about 10 ft off the ground, the airplane yawed to the right, the right wing aerodynamically stalled and impacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that the wind was variable at 10 to 13 knots. He added that, after exiting the airplane, he observed that the wind was "swirling" and not constant. He assumed that he encountered a quartering tailwind gust. The pilot was landing the airplane to northwest.
The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
Aviation Accidents App
In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports
