PIPER PA 18-150 near Phoenix, AZ — 2014-07-21

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in variable wind conditions, resulting in a ground-loop.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was landing the tail-wheel equipped airplane in variable wind conditions, and subsequently touched down with a quartering tailwind. The airplane veered off the runway to the right, ground-looped, and came to rest back on the runway. During the excursion, the airplane impacted a runway sign. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing during the ground-loop. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control on ground · Landing-landing roll

Evidence available

• 1 docket document

Docket documents1

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form

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