N1258C

Substantial
None

PIPER PA18S/N: 18-2497

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, May 22, 2016
NTSB Number
GAA16CA264
Location
Seward, AK
Event ID
20160531X63010
Coordinates
60.126667, -149.419998
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 receiving instruction's failure to maintain proper airspeed and descent rate, and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action during the landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and landing gear collapse.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18-2497
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1953
Model / ICAO
PA18PA18
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
PA-18-135

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
SMITH SAMUEL RICHARD
Address
PO BOX 46
City
SEWARD
State / Zip Code
AK 99664-0046
Country
United States

Analysis

The flight instructor reported that during an instructional flight, while on short final, the headwind dissipated and the airplane started to slow and sink. He instructed the pilot receiving instruction in the front seat to add power, but she did not complete the action immediately. After realizing the action was not complete the flight instructor added full power, but the airplane continued to descend at an accelerated rate and touched down hard upon landing. Subsequently, the main landing gear collapsed and the fuselage was substantially damaged.

The flight instructor did not report any mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane 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# GAA16CA264