Tailwheel Aircraft Sustains Substantial Damage After Striking Log During River Bar Landing

Casualties unknown • Yelm, WA, US

A pilot lost directional control while landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a gravel river bar, causing the aircraft to strike a log and sustain substantial fuselage damage.

What happened

The accident occurred during the final phase of flight as the pilot attempted to land a tailwheel-equipped aircraft on a gravel river bar. Upon touchdown, the pilot was unable to maintain directional control of the airplane throughout the landing roll. As the aircraft drifted off the intended path, it impacted a log situated adjacent to the landing area. The collision resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage structure.

The investigation

Following the accident, investigators conducted a post-accident inspection of the airframe and systems. The examination revealed no mechanical anomalies or pre-existing defects that would have contributed to the loss of control or the subsequent impact.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll on a gravel river bar, which led to an off-path impact with a log.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2007-11-24 Piper PA-18A-135 accident near Yelm, WA?

A pilot lost directional control while landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a gravel river bar, causing the aircraft to strike a log and sustain substantial fuselage damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2007-11-24 involved a Piper PA-18A-135, registration N3250B, at Yelm, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll on a gravel river bar, which led to an off-path impact with a log.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20071210X01921. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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