Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA19CA538

Palmer, AK, USA

Aircraft #1

N19GB

Piper PA18

Analysis

The pilot reported that, during landing on the dry lakebed, he was following a friend's airplane. During the right turn from base to final, his airplane was too close to the airplane ahead, so he decided to make a right turn and land in a clearing. The airplane landed hard and sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

The pilot reported that during landing on the dry lakebed, he was #2 to land following a friend's airplane. During the right turn from base to final, he recalled that he was too close to the airplane ahead and decided to make a right turn and land in a clearing. The airplane landed hard and sustained substantial damage to both wings, and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain a proper descent rate, which resulted in a hard landing.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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