Summary
On November 30, 2018, a Piper J4 (N27838) was involved in an incident near Forest, VA. 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 student pilot's improper landing flare and subsequent failure to maintain directional control during landing.
The solo student pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during final approach to land, he realized he was too high and performed a forward slip. During touchdown, the airplane bounced twice and veered to the right. The airplane ground looped to the right, exited the runway, and the right main landing gear struck a guard rail.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift strut.
The student 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 GAA19CA089. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N27838.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The student pilot's improper landing flare and subsequent failure to maintain directional control during landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The solo student pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during final approach to land, he realized he was too high and performed a forward slip. During touchdown, the airplane bounced twice and veered to the right. The airplane ground looped to the right, exited the runway, and the right main landing gear struck a guard rail.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift strut.
The student 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# GAA19CA089