Shearer, ID, USA
N1573P
Piper PA-22/20
Before making his approach for the planned full-stop landing, the pilot flew over the 2,000 foot runway in order to check the winds. After seeing the wind socks were hanging limp (no wind), he initiated his approach to runway 18. While on final approach , the pilot realized that he was "coming in a little high," so he slipped the aircraft in order to lose altitude. As he crossed the runway threshold, his ground speed was "higher than normal," and he therefore had to use excessive braking in order to stop the aircraft before it reached the far end of the runway. During his braking attempt, as the aircraft was passing over a dip in the runway, it nosed over on to its back. According to the pilot, a slight tailwind seemed to come up while he was on final approach. The approach to runway 18 (the recommended landing direction) was made up the narrow Selway River Canyon and is a "blind approach." The first 400 feet of runway 18 is "very rough," and the Idaho Airport Facility Directory states that "inexperienced pilots" should use this field for emergencies only.
On August 10, 2002, approximately 1800 mountain daylight time, a tailwheel-equiped Piper PA-22, N1573P, nosed over during the landing roll at Shearer Airport, Shearer, Idaho. The aircraft was owned and operated by a private pilot. The pilot and his passenger were not injured, however, the aircraft received substantial damage. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal pleasure flight departed Moose Creek Airport, Moose Creek Ranger Station, Idaho, approximately 15 minutes prior to the accident, and was being operated in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan had been filed. According to the pilot, before making his approach for the planned full-stop landing, he flew over the 2,000 foot runway in order to check the winds. After seeing the wind socks were hanging limp (no wind), he initiated his approach to runway 18. While on final approach, the pilot realized that he was "coming in a little high," so he slipped the aircraft in order to lose altitude. As he crossed the runway threshold, his ground speed was "higher than normal," and he therefore had to use excessive braking in order to stop the aircraft before it reached the far end of the runway. During his braking attempt, as the aircraft was passing over a dip in the runway, it nosed over on to its back. According to the pilot, a slight tailwind seemed to come up while he was on final approach. According to the Idaho Division of Aeronautics' Airport Facilities Directory, the approach to runway 18 (the recommended landing direction) is made up the narrow Selway River Canyon and is a "blind approach." The directory further states that the first 400 feet of runway 18 is "very rough," and that "inexperienced pilots" should use this field for emergencies only.
The pilot's failure to maintain the proper approach speed while on final approach to the 2000 foot airstrip, and his excessive application of brakes while attempting to stop the aircraft during the resultant longer than normal landing roll. Factors include a slight tailwind.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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