Casualties unknown

2007-04-29: Piper PA-12 (N3613M) — Gary Hall — Delta Junction, AK

Delta Junction, AK, US

On April 29, 2007, a Piper PA-12 (registration N3613M) operated by Gary Hall was involved in an aviation accident near Delta Junction, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The damaged and deflated over-sized tire on the main landing gear, which precipitated a loss of directional control during landing. 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 conducting off-airport landings reported a flat right main landing gear tire caused by an embedded stick, leading to loss of directional control and a nose-over that damaged the left wing lift-strut.

Accident Details

A pilot performing off-airport landings in a tundra-tire equipped airplane experienced a loss of directional control during a landing, resulting in the aircraft nosing over. The accident occurred under Title 14, CFR Part 91.

Pilot Report

In a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge on April 30, the pilot stated that he had flown the airplane for approximately one hour since his previous off-airport landing. He reported that upon touchdown, unknown to him, the right main landing gear tire was flat. Due to the large size of the tire, he was unable to maintain directional control on the ground. The airplane subsequently exited the intended landing area and entered rough, uneven terrain, where it nosed over.

Damage

As a result of the incident, the left wing lift-strut was bent. The pilot examined the deflated tire and found a stick embedded in it, which he believed originated from his previous landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070628X00842. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.