Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-18-150 near Alpine, TX — 2009-06-22

Final reportCEN09TA374
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Date
2009-06-22
Location
Alpine, TX, USA
Airport
E38
Aircraft
PIPER PA-18-150
Registration
N2320P
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, he configured the airplane for a crosswind landing with the application of left aileron and right rudder. He initially touched down on the main landing gear when the aircraft bounced and became airborne again. The pilot added power to prepare for a three-point landing, and touched back on the runway again. According to statements from the pilot and passenger, the airplane immediately veered to the right. The pilot attempted to correct with left rudder and add full power for a go-around. The pilot failed to gain control of the aircraft and spun 180 degrees off the right side of the runway. The aircraft’s left main gear collapsed upon leaving the runway, causing the propeller and left wing to strike the ground. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of any preexisting mechanical anomalies.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted landing after the first bounce.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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