N1662P

Substantial
Minor

PIPER PA-18S/N: 18-3784

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, August 19, 2010
NTSB Number
WPR10CA414
Location
Buena, WA
Event ID
20100819X01006
Coordinates
46.443054, -120.340835
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s excessive brake application, resulting in a nose over.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18-3784
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1954
Model / ICAO
PA-18PA18
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
PA-18

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
RYAN DIETRICH FARMS INC
Address
250011 COUNTY ROAD J
City
SCOTTSBLUFF
State / Zip Code
NE 69361-7301
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot departed with the intention of performing a practice flight in the local area. After departing to the south and climbing to 2,500 feet, he noted that it was a little bumpy. He decided to fly to a grass strip, and practice landings. It still seemed bumpy at 2,500 feet, but he noticed that the American flag on the strip indicated no wind. He completed one uneventful touch-and-go landing; he touched down on the main landing gear with no bounce. After letting the tail wheel touch down and letting the airplane slow a bit, he applied power and took off. On downwind, the flag indicated a variable wind that was less than 5 knots. The second touchdown was soft with no bounce like the first one, and the airplane tracked straight down the runway. If the pilot detected any difference in the two landings, it was that speed on the second might have been slightly faster than the first one, and the airplane was in a more level attitude. He applied brakes, and the airplane nosed over. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airframe or engine. In hindsight, the pilot felt that the airplane would not have nosed over if he had applied less brake pressure.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR10CA414