PIPER PA 18-150 near Willcox, AZ — 2014-01-26

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to land off airport on unsuitable terrain that resulted in a collision with hidden objects.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he and his father had flown to the accident location to camp and hunt. They made three passes over an open area to find a suitable landing spot. The pilot stated that the grass appeared to be knee-to-hip height, but he believed it was safe to land. He set up for landing, and on the landing rollout, about 20-30 knots, the left main landing gear wheel struck an unseen, large embedded boulder that collapsed the left main landing gear. The airplane's wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

• Landing gear collapse · Landing-landing roll
• Decision Making / Judgment

Evidence available

• 3 docket documents

Docket documents3

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Record of Conversation - FAA Inspectorother
• Record of Conversation - Pilotother

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