Summary
On June 21, 2018, a Piper PA18 (N9496D) was involved in an incident near Llano, TX. 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 receiving instruction’s improper landing flare and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
The pilot receiving instruction in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing, the airplane touched downed abruptly. He added that he taxied to the edge of the runway and observed that the airplane was leaning to the left.
The flight instructor reported that the pilot leveled off about 3 ft above the ground and allowed the airspeed to decrease. He added that he instructed the pilot to add power to "cushion the landing" and the pilot attempted to, but the airplane continued to decelerate until it aerodynamically stalled and landed hard on the left main landing gear.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA18CA583. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N9496D.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's receiving instruction’s improper landing flare and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot receiving instruction in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing, the airplane touched downed abruptly. He added that he taxied to the edge of the runway and observed that the airplane was leaning to the left.
The flight instructor reported that the pilot leveled off about 3 ft above the ground and allowed the airspeed to decrease. He added that he instructed the pilot to add power to "cushion the landing" and the pilot attempted to, but the airplane continued to decelerate until it aerodynamically stalled and landed hard on the left main landing gear.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
The instructor 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# GAA18CA583