N92544

Substantial
None

PIPER PA 12S/N: 12-73

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, March 19, 2017
NTSB Number
GAA17CA193
Location
Palmer, AK
Event ID
20170320X33640
Coordinates
61.599445, -149.086669
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 directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a ground loop.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
12-73
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1946
Model / ICAO
PA 12M600
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
3
FAA Model
PA-12

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
WALTHER NEWELL A
Address
3100 E PALMDALE DR
City
WASILLA
State / Zip Code
AK 99654-6036
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during takeoff he added full power, applied right rudder, and "pushed [the] stick forward to lift [the] tail off the ground". He added that the tail came back onto the ground and the airplane veered to the right. He further added that he overcorrected to the left and the airplane ground looped; subsequently, the right main landing gear collapsed and the right wing and elevator impacted the ground.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and elevator.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident 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# GAA17CA193