PIPER PA 18-150 near Tecumseh, MI — 2015-11-03

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing and his subsequent improper decision to attempt an aborted landing after the airplane had departed the runway.

NTSB narrative

The airline transport pilot reported that he made a normal wheel (two-point) landing; however, as the airplane traversed the airport's crossing runway, the airplane bounced into the air near midfield. He increased engine power after the bounce and subsequently made a full-stall (three-point) landing on the remaining runway. The airplane immediately veered left after the tailwheel contacted the runway. The airplane subsequently departed the left side of the runway into a grass field. The pilot reported that he was able to regain directional control and reestablish a ground track that was parallel to the runway before he attempted to abort the landing and take off from the grass field. Although he was able to get the airplane airborne, the pilot was unable to clear trees located along an airport perimeter road. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. Additionally, a postaccident airplane examination did not reveal any anomalies with the airplane's flight controls, brake system, or tailwheel assembly that would have prevented normal operation. The pilot reported that the accident likely could have been prevented if he had attempted to stop the airplane in the grass field instead of trying to abort the landing.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Loss of control

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have stopped the airplane in the grass field instead of aborting the landing.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control on ground · Landing-landing roll
• Decision Making / Judgment

Evidence available

• 6 docket documents

Docket documents6

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• FAA Inspector Statement (Wesley Shartle)interview
• Pilot Statement (James Mynning)interview
• Memorandum of Conversation (James Mynning)other
• Stay Centered Safety Alertother
• Weather Reportsreport

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