No fatalities

23 Oct 2016: PIPER PA 20S — Arcadia, FL

Arcadia, FL, United States

On 23 Oct 2016, a PIPER PA 20S UNDESIGNAT was involved in an aviation accident near Arcadia, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper pitch and power control during landing in a straight float-equipped airplane on grass in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a loss of directional 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 float-equipped airplane nosed over after the left float collapsed during a crosswind landing on a grass airstrip, resulting in substantial damage to both wings, fuselage, and rudder.

Incident Details

A pilot ferried a straight float-equipped airplane to a grass airstrip for an annual inspection. During landing, the pilot applied back pressure and added power upon touchdown, causing the airplane to lift and descend rapidly. The crosswind drifted the airplane to the left, and as it slowed, the left float buckled. Subsequently, the left wing and nose struck the ground, and the airplane nosed over, coming to rest inverted.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported the wind as 060 degrees true at 10 knots, not gusting. The landing was on runway 31.

Airstrip Conditions

The pilot noted that the grass had just been cut and suggested that it would have been better if the grass had dew. He further reported that the crosswind caused the airplane to drift left, leading to the left float collapsing. He wrote that he should have returned home and come back the following day when there would be dew on the grass and no headwind.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, the fuselage, and the rudder.

Contributing factors

Causes

Pitch control — Not attained/maintainedDirectional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation