Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary LAX08CA255

Grass Valley, CA, USA

Aircraft #1

N7635K

Piper PA-20

Analysis

The pilot reported that he made a wheel landing on the runway. He lowered the tail and started to apply the brakes when his right foot slipped off the rudder pedal. The plane veered left and he applied full left brake to avoid nosing into a drainage ditch head first. During this turn the tail wheel struck a boulder and the right wing tipped down and struck the ground.

Factual Information

The pilot reported that he made a wheel landing at Grass Valley's runway 25. He dropped the tail and started to apply the brakes when his right foot slipped off the rudder pedal, he was wearing cowboy boots. The plane veered left and he applied full left brake to avoid nosing into a drainage ditch head first. During this turn the tail wheel struck a boulder and the right wing tipped down and struck the ground. The pilot stated that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control due to his foot slipping off one rudder pedal while braking.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Get all the details on your iPhone or iPad with:

Aviation Accidents App

In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports