Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-11 near Death Valley, CA — 2024-03-09

Final reportWPR24LA107
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Date
2024-03-09
Location
Death Valley, CA, USA
Airport
L06
Aircraft
PIPER PA-11
Registration
N78659
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout, resulting in a ground loop and runway excursion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during the landing rollout and as the airplane slowed, rudder inputs became less effective. The airplane began to veer to the left, then departed the left side of the runway and ground looped. The airplane struck a runway sign located approximately 30 ft from the runway, and the fuselage sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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