1997-08-18: Piper PA-18-150 — Chandler, AZ

Casualties unknown • Chandler, AZ, US

Probable cause

The student's failure to maintain directional control due to excessive use of the rudder, and the instructor's delayed remedial action.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The private pilot and the CFI were practicing touch-and-go landings. The CFI stated that the student had been using too much rudder in correcting previous landings. As they touched down the airplane began to veer to the left. The CFI told the student to straighten it out and the student added too much right rudder to correct the problem. The CFI said he added left rudder and brake to try and correct the problem, but it was too late and the airplane had already begun the inadvertent ground loop/swerve. The airplane departed the runway and subsequently struck a runway sign.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-08-18 Piper PA-18-150 accident near Chandler, AZ?

The private pilot and the CFI were practicing touch-and-go landings. The CFI stated that the student had been using too much rudder in correcting previous landings. As they touched down the airplane began to veer to the left. The CFI told the student to straighten it out and the student added too much right rudder to…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-08-18 involved a Piper PA-18-150, registration N57528, at Chandler, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student's failure to maintain directional control due to excessive use of the rudder, and the instructor's delayed remedial action.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08682. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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