Pilot Debrief

Piper PA18 near Monroe, NC — 2020-06-22

Final reportERA20CA223
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Date
2020-06-22
Location
Monroe, NC, USA
Airport
EQY
Aircraft
Piper PA18
Registration
N3681Z
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate assessment of the landing area, which resulted in the airplane's encounter with tall weeds during landing and a subsequent nose-over.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was returning to his farm and performed both high and low "reconnaissance flights" over the farm field before landing. He stated the landing was normal until the airplane struck some taller weeds in the field and nosed over, substantially damaging the tail. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He stated that he had not expected the weeds to be so high and that cutting all vegetation in the landing area might have prevented the accident.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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