Casualties unknown

1992-11-08: Piper PA-18-150 (N4069Z) — Double Eagle Aviation — Albuquerque, NM

Albuquerque, NM, US

On November 8, 1992, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N4069Z) operated by Double Eagle Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Albuquerque, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRCRAFT CONTROL AND THE INSTRUCTOR'S INADEQUATE SUPERVISION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A CFI and private pilot disagreed on wind conditions during a tailwheel checkout; the airplane ground looped after the pilot locked brakes as instructed, striking the left wing.

Incident Details

A certified flight instructor (CFI) was conducting a checkout flight for a private pilot in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. The purpose of the flight was to evaluate the private pilot's proficiency in the tailwheel aircraft. According to the CFI, the winds at the time of the accident were light and variable. However, the private pilot reported that the wind was from 160 degrees and gusting to 25 knots.

Sequence of Events

The CFI stated that several landings prior to the accident were executed successfully. During the accident landing, the CFI observed that the pilot was using the rudder pedals excessively. The private pilot later reported that wind conditions caused a loss of directional control. After aligning the airplane on the runway centerline, the pilot said the CFI instructed him to lock the brakes. Following this instruction, the airplane ground looped, and the left wing struck the runway surface.

Aftermath

The accident was not reported until May 11, 1993. The official source did not specify the extent of damage to the aircraft or whether any injuries occurred. The conflicting reports between the CFI and the pilot regarding wind conditions and the instructions given during the landing were documented but not resolved in the available information.

Probable Cause

The official investigation source did not state a probable cause for the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X16029. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.