Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA17CA159

Big Lake, AK, USA

Aircraft #1

N6024D

PIPER PA22

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, after conducting two touch-and-go landings at a nearby airport, he decided to land at a different airport to speak with a friend. He added that everything seemed normal during the touchdown on the snow-covered runway but that the airplane then "abruptly stopped and [nosed] over." The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the rudder. The pilot reported that the inside of the left main landing gear and brake was "packed with ice" and had frozen, which prevented the wheel from rotating during the landing roll.

Factual Information

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that after a couple touch-and-go landings at a nearby airport, he decided to land at a different airport to speak with a friend. He further reported that everything seemed normal during the touchdown on the snow-covered runway, but the airplane then "abruptly stopped and [nosed] over". The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the rudder. The pilot reported that the inside of the left main landing gear and brake was "packed with ice" and had froze, which prevented the wheel from rotating during the landing roll.

Probable Cause and Findings

The contamination of snow and ice on the left main landing gear and brake, which prevented the wheel from rolling during touchdown and resulted in a nose-over.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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