Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA18CA441

East Sound, WA, USA

Aircraft #1

N11YB

Piper PA

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during a left-wing-low (sideslip) landing and before touchdown, he leveled the wings, and the airplane bounced. He then increased the throttle slightly and adjusted the pitch to cushion the subsequent bounce, but the airplane veered right, exited the runway to the right, and ground looped. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, 5 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 310° at 6 knots, gusting to 12 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 34.

Factual Information

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, during a left wing low (sideslip) landing and prior to touchdown, he leveled the wings, and the airplane bounced. He then increased the throttle slightly, adjusted the pitch to cushion the subsequent bounce but the airplane veered right, exited the runway to the right, and ground looped. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that 5 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 310° at 6 knots, gusting 12 knots. The airplane landed on runway 34.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control in a gusting, left quartering headwind.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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