Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA18 near Kerrville, TX — 2019-11-23

Final reportCEN20CA033
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Date
2019-11-23
Location
Kerrville, TX, USA
Airport
ERV
Aircraft
PIPER PA18
Registration
N530AK
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of airplane control during the landing flare, which resulted in a loss of directional control and ground-loop.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, based on the wind reported by the destination airport's AWOS, he decided to conduct a conventional, full-stall, three-point landing. He said the approach was normal and stabilized. When the airplane was about 1 ft above the runway, a wind gust pushed the airplane left. The left main landing gear contacted the runway, and the airplane drifted right. The left shock absorber broke, and the airplane swerved right. The tailwheel unlocked, and the airplane ground looped, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen a different landing technique to counter gusty winds.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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