Pilot Debrief

Piper PA18A-150 near Brainerd, MN — 2020-07-01

Final reportCEN20CA255
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Date
2020-07-01
Location
Brainerd, MN, USA
Aircraft
Piper PA18A-150
Registration
N7684D
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to land on a shortened field and his incorrect brake application. Contributing was the flight instructor's lack of oversight.

Contributing factors

Contributing was the flight instructor's lack of oversight.

NTSB narrative

The pilot had just purchased the airplane and was receiving flight instruction to satisfy insurance requirements. They decided to fly to the instructor's home and land in a field behind his house. They made a low pass and noted that there was a slight ditch with some water in it about halfway down the field. They landed beyond the ditch and the pilot noticed some trees at the end of the field that were getting closer. The pilot believed the tail was still flying when he applied slight braking to slow down. The airplane struck a bump, or bounced, and nosed over, causing substantial damage to both wings, the vertical stabilizer and rudder, the engine, and the propeller. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction or failure with the airplane.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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