Casualties unknown

1993-09-03: Piper PA-12 (N2966M) — Greenwood, MS

Greenwood, MS, US

On September 3, 1993, a Piper PA-12 (registration N2966M) was involved in an aviation accident near Greenwood, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: OPERATION OF THE AIRPLANE BY THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND/CFI WITH KNOWN DEFICIENCIES IN EQUIPMENT AND THE WORN CONDITION OF THE TAILWHEEL ASSEMBLY. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

A ground loop during landing damaged the left wing of a tailwheel airplane; post-accident inspection revealed severely worn tailwheel attachment bolt. Pilot had been advised of low-speed taxi difficulty.

Accident Summary

The accident involved a tailwheel-equipped airplane that ground looped during the landing roll, resulting in damage to the left wing.

Events Leading to Landing

Before renting the airplane, the pilot-in-command/certified flight instructor (PIC/CFI) was advised by the owner that the airplane was difficult to taxi at low speeds. The PIC/CFI stated this in the submitted written report. At the time of the accident, the wind was from 350 degrees at 10 knots, and Runway 36 was the active runway. The front seat pilot was flying the airplane. While landing, after the tail wheel contacted the runway, the empennage swung to the left. The pilot flying the airplane applied full left rudder, brake, and aileron inputs, but the airplane ground looped to the right, damaging the left wing.

Post-Accident Examination

Examination of the tailwheel assembly by an FAA certificated mechanic revealed that a bolt which secures the tailwheel assembly to the fuselage was severely worn.

Aircraft Maintenance History

Review of the airplane logbooks revealed that the airplane had accumulated about 121 hours since the 100-hour inspection, which was performed on May 7, 1993.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13458. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.