No fatalities

3 Jul 2012: PIPER PA-18A 150 — Illiamna, AK

Illiamna, AK, United States

On 3 Jul 2012, a PIPER PA-18A 150 was involved in an aviation accident near Illiamna, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a loss of control. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A tailwheel airplane bounced on touchdown, the pilot overcorrected, causing a swerve and ground loop into a ditch. Substantial damage to left wing and elevator resulted.

Incident Overview

During a landing at dusk on a lighted, paved, dry runway, a tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced a bounce upon initial touchdown. The pilot applied remedial control inputs but overcorrected, leading to a second touchdown during which the airplane swerved to the right. Attempting to abort the landing, the pilot added engine power; however, the airplane ground looped to the right and subsequently struck a ditch.

Damage Assessment

The accident sequence resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and left elevator of the aircraft. No other damage locations were reported.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. No additional contributing factors or mechanical anomalies were noted.

Contributing factors

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained