Pilot Debrief

AVIAT AIRCRAFT INC A-1C-180 near Comanche, OK — 2015-07-04

Final reportGAA15CA165
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Date
2015-07-04
Location
Comanche, OK, USA
Aircraft
AVIAT AIRCRAFT INC A-1C-180
Registration
N317MA
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain proper pitch control during touchdown, which resulted in a nose over and impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was attempting a wheel landing in a tailwheel airplane at his private grass air strip. During the landing touchdown, the airplane bounced once, settled back to the runway, and then suddenly nosed forward and came to rest inverted. The pilot reported that he did not know why the airplane nosed over, but suspected the pilot rated passenger in the rear seat may have manipulated the flight controls in some manner. During a postaccident interview, the pilot rated passenger seated in the rear seat stated that he remained clear of the rudder pedals and flight controls for the entire flight. The passenger also reported that he observed the flight controls move abruptly to the full aft position just prior to the nose over. The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. During a post-flight examination, the rudder and right wing were found to be substantially damaged.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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