On 22 Feb 2015, a PIPER PA 18-150 was involved in an aviation accident near Camarillo, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to maintain directional control during landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a touch-and-go landing practice, a pilot failed to maintain directional control, causing the airplane to depart the runway and ground loop, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing and lift strut.
Incident Overview
A pilot was practicing touch-and-go takeoffs and landings when a loss of directional control occurred during the second landing. The airplane subsequently departed the side of the runway and executed a ground loop, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing and left lift strut.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operations. The aircraft had been operating as expected prior to the incident.
Damage Description
The ground loop caused substantial damage to the left wing and left lift strut. No other damage was reported.
Investigation Findings
According to the pilot's account, the accident sequence began when directional control was lost during the landing rollout. The airplane then veered off the runway surface and ground looped. The pilot did not indicate any external factors or mechanical issues contributing to the loss of control.
Probable cause
The pilot failed to maintain directional control during landing.
Contributing factors
PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained