Lake Placid, FL, USA
N8183C
PIPER PA-18
The pilot of the tandem seat-equipped airplane was high while on final approach to land, so he induced a slip to lose altitude before landing. Due to the forward pitch of the airplane during the slip, the aft seat cushion slid forward and lodged between the seat frame and control stick. The pilot the applied back pressure on the control stick to flare the airplane and slow the descent, but the control stick was blocked by the aft seat cushion. The airplane continued to descend, which resulted in a hard landing and substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.
The pilot’s failure to ensure that the aft seat cushion was adequately secured, which resulted in its movement, subsequent interference with the flight controls, and a hard landing.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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