N5626H

Substantial
None

PIPER PA 16S/N: 16-237

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, February 22, 2014
NTSB Number
WPR14CA120
Location
Scappoose, OR
Event ID
20140224X30708
Coordinates
45.771667, -122.861946
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing roll. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's diverted attention and inadequate preflight inspection.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
16-237
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1949
Model / ICAO
PA 16M600
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
PA-16

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
WHITMORE MARTHA J
Address
PO BOX 215
City
TERLINGUA
State / Zip Code
TX 79852-0215
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that prior to the flight he removed an insulating blanket and heat source from the tailwheel equipped airplane, and conducted his preflight inspection. Following a normal engine run up, he initiated takeoff, where he thought the airplane seemed sluggish and that the rate of climb didn't feel normal. The pilot determined that the engine was not making full power, and decided to land at a nearby airport with a larger runway. Following an uneventful landing, the pilot diverted his attention to the engine instruments. Subsequently, the airplane swerved to the right, and the right main landing gear folded underneath the fuselage, which resulted in the right wing striking the ground. Postaccident examination of the airplane by the pilot revealed that the right wing spar was bent. The pilot added that he found an insulating cover over the carburetor air intake and that was the reason for the reduced power.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR14CA120