N2894P

Substantial
None

Piper PA18S/N: 18-4492

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
NTSB Number
GAA20CA030
Location
Gerlach, NV
Event ID
20191017X25647
Coordinates
40.334999, -119.908058
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 exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18-4492
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1955
Model / ICAO
PA18PA18
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
1
FAA Model
PA-18A 150

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
HOLMES DALLAS WADE
Address
455 NW DELAWARE AVE
City
BEND
State / Zip Code
OR 97703-2844
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel and tundra tire-equipped airplane reported that, during approach to land on a dirt field, about 10 ft off the ground, the airplane yawed to the right, the right wing aerodynamically stalled and impacted terrain.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot reported that the wind was variable at 10 to 13 knots. He added that, after exiting the airplane, he observed that the wind was "swirling" and not constant. He assumed that he encountered a quartering tailwind gust. The pilot was landing the airplane to northwest.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA20CA030