Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary WPR20CA134

Bountiful, UT, USA

Aircraft #1

N707VB

Piper PA18

Analysis

The pilot reported that she aborted the first landing due to the wind changing direction and slight gusts. During the rollout after the second landing, the pilot applied brakes as the wind simultaneously shifted and lifted the tail upward, which resulted in the propeller striking the runway and the airplane coming to rest in a nose-low attitude. Shortly after, another wind gust lifted the tail, which caused the airplane to flip over. The right-wing lift strut, rudder, and vertical stabilizer were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, she aborted the first landing due to the wind changing direction with slight gusts. During the second landing, as the airplane was rolling out, the pilot applied brakes as the wind simultaneously shifted and lifted the tail of the airplane upward, which resulted in the airplane coming to rest in a nose low attitude. The pilot said that following a momentary pause, another gust of wind lifted the tail and flipped the airplane upside down, near the right side of the runway. The right-wing lift strut, rudder, and vertical stabilizer were substantially damaged. The pilot 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 failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a roll-over.

 

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