Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 20 near Marshfield, MA — 2015-09-19

Final reportGAA15CA273
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Date
2015-09-19
Location
Marshfield, MA, USA
Airport
GHG
Aircraft
PIPER PA 20
Registration
N6932K
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop and impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that on final approach, he realized he was above the normal glide path and performed a forward slip to lose altitude. At the conclusion of the slip, the airplane had a higher than normal approach airspeed. The pilot planned to make a wheel landing and when the airplane touched down, it landed hard, and bounced twice. The pilot then decided to alter his landing to a three point landing after the bounce. At touchdown the airplane "fishtailed" and started to veer left. The pilot was unable to correct the veer with control inputs, the airplane continued off the runway to the left and ground looped. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing, elevator, horizontal stabilizer, and fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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