N74843

Substantial
None

PIPER PA 18-150S/N: 18-4085

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, April 6, 2014
NTSB Number
ERA14CA188
Location
Bethel, ME
Event ID
20140409X31036
Coordinates
44.425277, -70.809997
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 control of the airplane while taxiing after landing during gusty wind conditions.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18-4085
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1955
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
SKY LINES AERIAL ADS LLC
Address
9A LAFAYETTE RD
City
NORTH HAMPTON
State / Zip Code
NH 03862-2468
Country
United States

Analysis

According to the pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane, he landed on runway 32 with a left quartering headwind. He stopped the airplane and initiated a turn in order to back taxi to exit the runway. As the airplane turned, the pilot pushed the control stick forward to keep the tail of the airplane down. However, during the turn, a "gust [of wind] lifted the tail" of the airplane, it nosed over, and came to rest inverted resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage, rudder, and right wing. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The wind reported at the airport about the time of the accident was from 320 degrees at 12 knots gusting to 24 knots.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA14CA188