Aircraft Excursion During Landing Roll

Casualties unknown • Ephrata, WA, US

A commercial pilot undergoing a check-out experienced a loss of directional control during the landing roll, resulting in a wing strike and gear failure.

What happened

During a training flight involving a check-out procedure, a commercial pilot was operating a glider club tow plane under the supervision of a check-out pilot. The flight involved a steep approach, which the crew noted was a standard profile for tow plane operations to account for tow rope considerations.

The landing roll began smoothly; however, approximately 100 feet into the rollout, the aircraft's left wing lifted, causing the plane to veer toward the right. The pilot-in-command attempted to correct the deviation using up to full left rudder, while the check-out pilot applied engine power in an attempt to maintain control. Despite these efforts, the aircraft continued to veer until it reached approximately 90 degrees to the right of the runway heading. During the excursion, the left landing gear broke, and the left wing contacted the ground. There were no injuries reported in the accident.

The investigation

The investigation into the incident determined that there was no mechanical malfunction or failure involved in the accident.

Probable cause

The aircraft veered off the runway during the landing roll after the left wing lifted, leading to a gear failure and wing strike.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-06-25 Piper PA-18A-150 accident near Ephrata, WA?

A commercial pilot undergoing a check-out experienced a loss of directional control during the landing roll, resulting in a wing strike and gear failure.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-06-25 involved a Piper PA-18A-150, registration N6775B, at Ephrata, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft veered off the runway during the landing roll after the left wing lifted, leading to a gear failure and wing strike.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21343. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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