N9683P

Substantial
None

PIPER PA 18-150S/N: 18-7509026

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, January 26, 2014
NTSB Number
WPR14CA109
Location
Willcox, AZ
Event ID
20140130X75717
Coordinates
32.415554, -110.151107
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's decision to land off airport on unsuitable terrain that resulted in a collision with hidden objects.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18-7509026
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
PA 18-150M600
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
PA-18-150

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
WARTHOG FLYING SERVICE INC
Address
239 LODGES CORNER RD
City
STUTTGART
State / Zip Code
AR 72160-6481
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that he and his father had flown to the accident location to camp and hunt. They made three passes over an open area to find a suitable landing spot. The pilot stated that the grass appeared to be knee-to-hip height, but he believed it was safe to land. He set up for landing, and on the landing rollout, about 20-30 knots, the left main landing gear wheel struck an unseen, large embedded boulder that collapsed the left main landing gear. The airplane's wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR14CA109