26 Jan 2014: PIPER PA 18-150 A150

26 Jan 2014: PIPER PA 18-150 A150 — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Willcox, AZ, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to land off airport on unsuitable terrain that resulted in a collision with hidden objects.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported that he and his father had flown to the accident location to camp and hunt. They made three passes over an open area to find a suitable landing spot. The pilot stated that the grass appeared to be knee-to-hip height, but he believed it was safe to land. He set up for landing, and on the landing rollout, about 20-30 knots, the left main landing gear wheel struck an unseen, large embedded boulder that collapsed the left main landing gear. The airplane's wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • Contributed to outcome
  • Contributed to outcome

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 320/11kt, vis 10sm

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