Summary
On September 13, 2018, a Piper PA18 (N7184B) was involved in an incident near Kenai, AK. All 1 person 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 hard, bounced landing and subsequent loss of directional control on an unimproved airstrip.
The pilot reported that, the purpose of the flight was to land at, and then clear an unimproved airstrip, by removing small trees and brush. During approach he made a relatively steep descent with full flaps. During the touch down, the tailwheel-equipped airplane landed hard and bounced. The airplane touched down again angled to the left and veered off the runway to the left during the roll on the uneven, dirt surface. Subsequently, the left wing impacted a tree and the airplane pivoted into an adjacent tree.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA18CA558. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N7184B.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing and subsequent loss of directional control on an unimproved airstrip.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that, the purpose of the flight was to land at, and then clear an unimproved airstrip, by removing small trees and brush. During approach he made a relatively steep descent with full flaps. During the touch down, the tailwheel-equipped airplane landed hard and bounced. The airplane touched down again angled to the left and veered off the runway to the left during the roll on the uneven, dirt surface. Subsequently, the left wing impacted a tree and the airplane pivoted into an adjacent tree.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions 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# GAA18CA558