N7367D

Substantial
None

PIPER PA 18AS/N: 18-5730

Accident Details

Date
Friday, May 20, 2016
NTSB Number
GAA16CA262
Location
Westminster, MD
Event ID
20160526X90012
Coordinates
39.466945, -77.016944
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 failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in runway excursion, and collision with terrain.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18-5730
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
PA 18AM600
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
1
FAA Model
PA-18A 150

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
HOELSCHER RODNEY N
Address
14650 FM 765
City
SAN ANGELO
State / Zip Code
TX 76905-7938
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll, as soon as the tailwheel touched down a "significant shimmy" developed, but he also reported that the shimmy was not uncommon. He further reported that he attempted to "momentarily unload" the weight from the tailwheel, but the airplane suddenly veered off the runway to the left. The pilot reported that to avoid hitting a "wind indicator" he applied hard brakes, subsequently the airplane nosed forward, and the propeller impacted the ground.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

According to the pilot there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine 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# GAA16CA262