Casualties unknown

2002-12-13: Piper PA-12 (N87800) — Fallon, NV

Fallon, NV, US

On December 13, 2002, a Piper PA-12 (registration N87800) was involved in an aviation accident near Fallon, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a low altitude maneuver. Contributing factors were the inadequate passenger briefing regarding the flight controls and the passenger's inadvertent use of the rudder. 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 pilot demonstrating an airplane to a prospective buyer lost control after the buyer inadvertently applied left rudder and the pilot corrected with right aileron, causing the airplane to slip and impact the ground.

Accident Overview

A pilot was demonstrating an airplane to a prospective buyer. During the demonstration, the pilot simulated an approach to land, with the prospective buyer following through on the flight controls. While executing a turn to simulated final approach, the prospective buyer inadvertently applied left rudder. The pilot then corrected with right aileron, which resulted in the airplane slipping. Subsequently, the airplane impacted the ground.

Post-Accident Findings

After the accident, flight control continuity was established, confirming that the control systems were intact prior to impact. The pilot recommended that better instruction be given to passengers to prevent future accidents.

Circumstances

No other details regarding the aircraft, location, date, or injuries were provided in the source material.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030103X00012. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.