Summary
On October 16, 2019, a Piper PA18 (N2894P) was involved in an incident near Gerlach, NV. 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 exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
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.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA20CA030. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N2894P.
Accident Details
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
Registered Owner (Current)
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