Summary
On June 17, 2018, a Piper PA (N11YB) was involved in an incident near East Sound, 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 landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control in a gusting, left quartering headwind.
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, during a left wing low (sideslip) landing and prior to touchdown, he leveled the wings, and the airplane bounced. He then increased the throttle slightly, adjusted the pitch to cushion the subsequent bounce but the airplane veered right, exited the runway to the right, and ground looped.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that 5 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 310° at 6 knots, gusting 12 knots. The airplane landed on runway 34.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA18CA441. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N11YB.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control in a gusting, left quartering headwind.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, during a left wing low (sideslip) landing and prior to touchdown, he leveled the wings, and the airplane bounced. He then increased the throttle slightly, adjusted the pitch to cushion the subsequent bounce but the airplane veered right, exited the runway to the right, and ground looped.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that 5 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 310° at 6 knots, gusting 12 knots. The airplane landed on runway 34.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA441