Summary
On May 18, 2014, a Piper PA 18A (N7474D) was involved in an incident near Arlington, WA. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's improper application of brakes during taxi in tailwind conditions, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control and subsequent nose over.
The pilot stated that while taxing the tailwheel equipped airplane, the slight crosswind became a tail wind. Both he and his passenger may have both hit the brakes at the same time, which resulted in the airplane nosing over and substantially damaging the tail.
There was no report of a preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report WPR14CA212. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N7474D.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's improper application of brakes during taxi in tailwind conditions, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control and subsequent nose over.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot stated that while taxing the tailwheel equipped airplane, the slight crosswind became a tail wind. Both he and his passenger may have both hit the brakes at the same time, which resulted in the airplane nosing over and substantially damaging the tail.
There was no report of a preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure 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# WPR14CA212