Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA18 near Seward, AK — 2016-05-22

Final reportGAA16CA264
Sign in to save
Date
2016-05-22
Location
Seward, AK, USA
Airport
SWD
Aircraft
PIPER PA18
Registration
N1258C
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot receiving instruction's failure to maintain proper airspeed and descent rate, and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action during the landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and landing gear collapse.

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor reported that during an instructional flight, while on short final, the headwind dissipated and the airplane started to slow and sink. He instructed the pilot receiving instruction in the front seat to add power, but she did not complete the action immediately. After realizing the action was not complete the flight instructor added full power, but the airplane continued to descend at an accelerated rate and touched down hard upon landing. Subsequently, the main landing gear collapsed and the fuselage was substantially damaged. The flight instructor did not report any mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

Related mishaps