Pilot Debrief

Piper PA 18 near Santa Barbara, CA — 2020-02-29

Final reportWPR20CA105
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Date
2020-02-29
Location
Santa Barbara, CA, USA
Aircraft
Piper PA 18
Registration
N1890A
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the approach, which resulted in a rapid descent rate, hard landing, and nose-over.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during the landing approach to a ridgeline airstrip, he deployed full flaps and descended to the touchdown point. About 15 ft above ground level, the airplane started to descend, which he failed to recognize and arrest. The pilot added that the approach speed was also a little too slow for the unstable air, which likely increased the descent rate. Subsequently, the airplane touched down hard short of the touchdown point, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. The left wing and empennage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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