20 May 2016: PIPER PA 18A 150

20 May 2016: PIPER PA 18A 150 — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Westminster, MD, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in runway excursion, and collision with terrain.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll, as soon as the tailwheel touched down a "significant shimmy" developed, but he also reported that the shimmy was not uncommon. He further reported that he attempted to "momentarily unload" the weight from the tailwheel, but the airplane suddenly veered off the runway to the left. The pilot reported that to avoid hitting a "wind indicator" he applied hard brakes, subsequently the airplane nosed forward, and the propeller impacted the ground.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

According to the pilot there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

  • cause Directional control — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Pilot

Conditions

Weather
VMC, vis 10sm

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