6 Sep 2010: PIPER PA-18-160 — Michael A. Chapman

6 Sep 2010: PIPER PA-18-160 — Michael A. Chapman

No fatalities • Arctic Village, AK, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during an off-airport landing.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The airplane was operating under Title 14, CFR Part 91 as a local personal flight when the accident occurred. The solo private pilot reported he was landing at a rough and uneven off-airport site in a tailwheel airplane equipped with 31-inch tundra tires. He said as he entered the landing flare, the tailwheel hit a raised portion of the landing surface, which pushed the tail up, and pushed the nose of the airplane down, resulting in the propeller striking the ground. When the propeller hit the ground, the pilot said he was unable to maintain control, and the airplane nosed over, sustaining structural damage to both wings and rudder. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane that precipitated the accident.

Contributing factors

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

Conditions

Weather
VMC

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