Tailwheel aircraft damage during instructional landing

Casualties unknown • Memphis, MO, US

A tailwheel airplane sustained substantial damage after impacting a snow bank during the landing roll of an instructional flight.

What happened

During an instructional flight, a tailwheel airplane was on short final approach when winds became light. The pilot landed slightly to the right of the centerline with minimal aileron or rudder input. As the aircraft rolled out, a gust of wind struck the right side, causing the right wing to lift and the tail to swing to the left.

The instructor applied full left rudder to correct the direction of the rollout. While the right wing was leveled, the aircraft was approximately two feet off the runway, with the right main gear entering a snow bank that had been pushed onto the runway surface. Because there was no braking assistance on the right side, the aircraft continued along the edge of the runway for approximately 40 feet. The right main gear then encountered compacted or frozen snow, causing the aircraft to tip forward and land on its windshield.

Findings

The aircraft sustained substantial damage upon impact with the snow bank.

Probable cause

A wind gust caused the right wing to lift and pushed the aircraft off the runway centerline into a snow bank, leading to a loss of directional control and a nose-over.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-02-18 Piper PA-22-135 accident near Memphis, MO?

A tailwheel airplane sustained substantial damage after impacting a snow bank during the landing roll of an instructional flight.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-02-18 involved a Piper PA-22-135, registration N3419A, at Memphis, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A wind gust caused the right wing to lift and pushed the aircraft off the runway centerline into a snow bank, leading to a loss of directional control and a nose-over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040219X00207. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…