On May 15, 2017, a PIPER PA22 150 was involved in an aviation accident near South Boston, VA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During landing roll, a tailwheel-equipped airplane veered left. Despite full right rudder, the pilot could not keep it on the runway. The airplane exited left, turned 180°, struck an embankment, collapsed the right main gear, and came to rest nose down.
Accident Details
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll, the airplane veered to the left. The pilot stated he "could not keep the [airplane] on [the] runway using full right rudder." The airplane subsequently exited the left side of the runway, continued to turn left approximately 180°, and encountered an embankment. The right main landing gear collapsed during this event. The right wing then impacted the ground, and the airplane came to rest in a nose-down attitude.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Wind Conditions
According to the pilot, at the time of the accident, the wind at the airport was from 060° at 7 knots. The pilot had landed on runway 19.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 15 May 2017 PIPER PA22 150 accident near South Boston, VA?
During landing roll, a tailwheel-equipped airplane veered left. Despite full right rudder, the pilot could not keep it on the runway. The airplane exited left, turned 180°, struck an embankment, collapsed the right main gear, and came to rest nose down.
Were there any fatalities in the 15 May 2017 PIPER PA22 150 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 May 2017 involved a PIPER PA22 150, at South Boston, VA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.