27 Sep 2009: PIPER PA-20 — RICE WESLEY R

27 Sep 2009: PIPER PA-20 — RICE WESLEY R

No fatalities • Fairbanks, AK, United States

Probable cause

The student pilot's decision to attempt an off-airport landing and his failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The student pilot reported to the NTSB investigator in charge during a telephone conversation on September 28, 2009, that he was attempting to land at the short and rough off-airport site in his personal tailwheel-equipped airplane at the conclusion of a Title 14, CFR Part 91 personal flight. He said during the landing roll, the airplane encountered a dip in the surface, and he lost directional control, with the airplane veering to the right, off the airstrip, and nosing over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and its associated lift struts. The pilot said there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. FAA medical records indicate he had approximately 14 hours total flight experience as of June 10, 2009. The student pilot did not complete an NTSB accident report form as requested.

Contributing factors

  • cause Directional control — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Student pilot
  • Contributed to outcome
  • cause Student pilot

Conditions

Weather
VMC

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