Pilot Debrief

G ELWIN HALVORSEN PA18WB/L21-180 near Gerlach, NV — 2016-05-30

Final reportGAA16CA282
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Date
2016-05-30
Location
Gerlach, NV, USA
Airport
88NV
Aircraft
G ELWIN HALVORSEN PA18WB/L21-180
Registration
N45EH
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, resulting in a nose over.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, prior to landing on a dry lake bed, he made one low pass to assess the area where he intended to land. He reported that upon touch down, the wheels broke through the hard layer of the landing surface and there was mud underneath. The main landing gear wheels dug into the mud and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies or malfunctions during the flight with any portion of the airplane that would have prevented normal flight operations.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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