On 19 Sep 2016, a PIPER PA 11 NO SERIES was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Isle, VT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudgment of wind speed, resulting in completion of the simulated training maneuver with a tailwind, leading to an aerodynamic stall. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a simulated engine failure training maneuver, a tailwheel airplane stalled and impacted terrain. The pilot reported misjudging wind speed and not realizing a tailwind condition.
Accident Details
A pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during a training flight, at about 450 feet above ground, he reduced power to idle to simulate an engine failure and forced landing. He then "pushed the nose over" and executed a "left tear drop turn" to land in the opposite direction of takeoff. When the turn had about 15 to 20 degrees remaining and the airplane was about 15 to 20 feet above ground, the pilot increased back stick pressure. The airplane entered an aerodynamic stall, the left wing dropped, and the airplane impacted terrain in a nose-low, left-wing-down attitude.
Damage
The left wing and fuselage sustained substantial damage.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. In the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report, the pilot stated that he misjudged the wind speed and did not realize he was completing the simulated training maneuver with a tailwind. The accident airport did not have an automated weather observing system or wind indicator.
Probable cause
The pilot's misjudgment of wind speed, resulting in completion of the simulated training maneuver with a tailwind, leading to an aerodynamic stall.
Contributing factors
Causes
PilotCapability exceededAirspeed — Not attained/maintained