N18LP

Substantial
None

PIPER PA 18-150S/N: 18-5501

Accident Details

Date
Friday, August 21, 2015
NTSB Number
GAA15CA254
Location
LaBelle, FL
Event ID
20150910X72335
Coordinates
26.742776, -81.431114
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 selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a nose over and impact with terrain.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18-5501
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1957
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
LOW & SLOW AVIATION VENTURES LLC
Address
325 DANLEY DR
City
FT MYERS
State / Zip Code
FL 33907
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that he touched down in the grass adjacent to the paved runway. During the landing roll, the airplane encountered a low spot in the runway with about 3 to 4 inches of standing water. The wheels dug into the terrain and the airplane nosed over coming to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder, horizontal stabilizer, and left wing strut.

The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot reported that he should make it standard practice to make an inspection pass of the runway whenever he is landing on turf to determine the condition of the runway.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA15CA254