On November 1, 2007, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N4153M) operated by David A. Kirsten was involved in an aviation accident near Stockton, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a ditch while taxiing. Contributing factors were the pilot's inadequate visual lookout and the ditch. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A tailwheel-equipped airplane nosed over during taxi after its main landing gear struck a ditch on a private airstrip. The aircraft came to rest inverted, with damage to the rudder and lift struts. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies.
Accident Details
The accident occurred while the pilot was taxiing the tailwheel-equipped airplane into position for takeoff from a private airstrip. During the taxi, the main landing gear struck a ditch, which abruptly stopped the aircraft's forward motion. The impact caused the airplane to nose over, and it subsequently came to rest inverted.
Aircraft Damage
Following the accident, the pilot examined the aircraft and found that the rudder and two lift struts had been bent. No other damage was reported.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical anomalies with the aircraft at the time of the accident. The pilot did not report any pre-existing issues or malfunctions that could have contributed to the event.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 1 Nov 2007 Piper PA-18-150 accident near Stockton, CA?
A tailwheel-equipped airplane nosed over during taxi after its main landing gear struck a ditch on a private airstrip. The aircraft came to rest inverted, with damage to the rudder and lift struts. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies.
Were there any fatalities in the 1 Nov 2007 Piper PA-18-150 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Nov 2007 involved a Piper PA-18-150, registration N4153M, operated by David A. Kirsten, at Stockton, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a ditch while taxiing. Contributing factors were the pilot's inadequate visual lookout and the ditch.
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