Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 22-150 near Old Bridge, NJ — 2014-11-03

Final reportERA15CA043
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Date
2014-11-03
Location
Old Bridge, NJ, USA
Airport
3N6
Aircraft
PIPER PA 22-150
Registration
N7102D
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of control while landing the tailwheel-equipped airplane in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a ground loop.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, while in the landing flare, the tailwheel-equipped airplane began to roll to the left. He applied right aileron to counteract the roll and provide wind correction; however, as the airplane decelerated during the landing roll, it lacked rudder authority to counteract a gust of wind from the right. The airplane ground looped 180 degrees to the right, and the left main landing gear collapsed, resulting in substantial damage to the outboard portion of the left wing and left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Recorded wind velocity at a nearby airport about the time of the accident was 15 knots, with gusts to 25 knots.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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