Accident Overview
On 6 March 1983, at 16h50, a Piper PA-18-150, registration CS-AQN, operated by Aeroclube de Leiria, was involved in an accident at Leiria Aerodrome. The aircraft was conducting a local flight with one pilot and one passenger on board. The landing phase was being performed on runway 02.
Sequence of Events
After completing the local flight, the pilot executed a normal landing roll on runway 02. At the end of the roll, the aircraft deviated to the right and, while at reduced speed, collided with a barrier adjacent to the runway. The aircraft came to a stop upon impact.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, the weather was CAVOK with surface wind from 060° at 8 knots and from 090° at 10 knots.
Injuries and Damage
Both the pilot and the passenger were uninjured (ilesos). The aircraft sustained minor damage (pequenos danos).
Probable Cause
The investigation determined that the heel-operated brake system of the aircraft may have been inadvertently actuated by the passenger due to carelessness or ignorance. Evidence from photographs showed a single tire track from the right tire, indicating that the right brake had been applied. The right crosswind further accentuated the aircraft's tendency to veer right, making it difficult for the pilot to counteract.