On November 24, 2007, a Piper PA-18A-135 (registration N3250B) was involved in an aviation accident near Yelm, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: 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. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
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.
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