Casualties unknown

2007-02-23: Piper PA-12 (N2343M) — Lewiston, ID

Lewiston, ID, US

On February 23, 2007, a Piper PA-12 (registration N2343M) was involved in an aviation accident near Lewiston, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the inadvertent use of the rudder by the passenger, which resulted in an inadvertent ground loop. 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

During a no-flap three-point full stall landing, the airplane swerved and spun 180 degrees after the pilot released rudder pedal pressure. The left wing tip and right elevator struck the ground.

Background

The pilot was flying with a passenger at the aircraft owner's request to help the passenger become current, as the passenger had not flown any type of aircraft in the preceding eight years.

Flight

The pilot was performing a no-flap three-point full stall landing. The passenger was following on the controls with the pilot.

Accident Sequence

During the landing roll, as the airplane slowed down, the pilot released some pressure from the rudder pedals to slide his toes up onto the brakes. As soon as pressure was released, the airplane began to swerve "one way then the other." The pilot attempted to correct, but the airplane "spun a 180-degree turn to the left." During the turn, the left wing tip and the right elevator struck the ground.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that the passenger was wearing heavy boots and may have inadvertently "kicked hard right or left rudder and then became briefly entangled in the rudder pedals."

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070318X00303. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.