N3985M

Substantial
None

Piper PA 12S/N: 12-2865

Accident Details

Date
Friday, September 27, 2019
NTSB Number
GAA19CA586
Location
Williams, CA
Event ID
20190930X01236
Coordinates
39.094722, -122.097778
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 over application of power during recovery from a runway excursion, which resulted in a ground loop and nose over.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
12-2865
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
PA 12M600
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
3
FAA Model
PA-12

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
FURNAS JERRY W
Address
5004 SEA DRIFT WAY
City
SAN DIEGO
State / Zip Code
CA 92154-8441
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, after landing on a gravel road, he looked to the right and unintentionally steered the airplane to the right into a small ditch. He applied power to force the airplane out of the ditch back onto the road, however, the right main landing gear "locked up due to the weeds wrapping around it". The airplane ground looped and nosed over.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and empennage.

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# GAA19CA586