Stall during simulated forced landing results in aircraft damage

Casualties unknown • Palmer, AK, US

A private pilot performing a simulated forced landing in a tailwheel airplane stalled and struck the ground during a maneuver for a flight review.

What happened

A certificated private pilot/owner and a flight instructor were conducting a local area flight to complete a biennial flight review. During the flight, the pilot was practicing a simulated forced landing in a tailwheel equipped airplane, maintaining engine power at idle while targeting a small road.

As the pilot approached the intended landing site, the aircraft slightly overshot the target area. In an attempt to correct the path, the pilot executed a steep turn back toward the road. Although the second pilot applied engine power during this maneuver, the airplane stalled approximately 25 feet above the ground. The aircraft subsequently descended into the ground, impacting heavily on the left main landing gear. The impact resulted in damage to the propeller, the left wing, the lift strut, and the left main gear. There were no injuries reported.

Probable cause

The airplane stalled during a steep turn while attempting to correct an overshoot of the intended landing area during a simulated forced landing maneuver.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-07-10 Piper PA-18 accident near Palmer, AK?

A private pilot performing a simulated forced landing in a tailwheel airplane stalled and struck the ground during a maneuver for a flight review.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-07-10 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N1364P, at Palmer, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The airplane stalled during a steep turn while attempting to correct an overshoot of the intended landing area during a simulated forced landing maneuver.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10446. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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