Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ANC12CA062

Illiamna, AK, USA

Aircraft #1

N8889D

PIPER PA-18A 150

Analysis

The pilot was landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a lighted, paved, dry runway at dusk, when he inadvertently bounced the airplane during initial touchdown. He applied remedial control inputs, but he overcorrected, and, upon touching down again, the airplane swerved to the right. He added engine power to abort the landing, but the airplane ground looped to the right and hit a ditch. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and left elevator. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.

Factual Information

The pilot was landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a lighted, paved, dry runway, at dusk, when he inadvertently bounced during initial touchdown. He applied remedial control inputs, but he overcorrected, and upon touching down again, the airplane swerved to the right. He added engine power to abort the landing, but the airplane ground looped to the right, and hit a ditch. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and left elevator. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a loss of control.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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