Piper PA 12 near Sisters, OR — 2019-04-10

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain pitch control during the landing roll, which resulted in a nose-over.

NTSB narrative

The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the approach, the wind speed increased and became turbulent. He recalled that, during the landing roll, "I immediately applied a slight amount of forward stick," but when the tailwheel contacted the surface, "the wind suddenly changed to a tailwind," and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder, both wing lift struts, and the engine mounts. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The nearest METAR, located at an airport 1 mile away from the accident site, reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 290° at 10 knots, visibility was 10 statute miles, and the clouds were broken at 6,500 ft mean sea level and deteriorating. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 20.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control on ground · Landing-landing roll

Evidence available

• Photos
• 2 docket documents

Docket documents2

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Photosphotos

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