Aircraft nosed over during tailwheel instruction

Casualties unknown • Deer Park, WA, US

A student pilot lost control of a tailwheel aircraft during a training flight, resulting in a runway excursion and inverted position.

What happened

A dual student was undergoing instruction from an instructor pilot to refresh tailwheel flying skills. Following a wheel landing in calm winds, the aircraft's tail settled, at which point the aircraft swerved to the left. Although the student attempted a correction to stabilize the aircraft, it subsequently began swerving to the right. The student was unable to maintain directional control even with full left rudder application.

The aircraft departed the right side of the runway and struck an 18-inch snow berm. This impact caused the airplane to nose over, eventually coming to rest in an inverted position. Prior to the flight, the student had expressed discomfort with the aircraft. At the time of the accident, the student had completed only 3.7 hours of dual instruction in this specific type.

Findings

The student pilot reported that the instructor pilot did not take any corrective action to assist in recovering the aircraft from the loss of control.

Probable cause

The student pilot's inability to maintain directional control during the landing phase, leading to a runway excursion and subsequent nose-over.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-01-14 Cessna 185F accident near Deer Park, WA?

A student pilot lost control of a tailwheel aircraft during a training flight, resulting in a runway excursion and inverted position.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-01-14 involved a Cessna 185F, registration N185WB, at Deer Park, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's inability to maintain directional control during the landing phase, leading to a runway excursion and subsequent nose-over.

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