No fatalities

18 Jun 2017: PIPER PA 18 150 — Red Bluff, CA

Red Bluff, CA, United States

On 18 Jun 2017, a PIPER PA 18 150 was involved in an aviation accident near Red Bluff, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain pitch control during the landing roll in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a nose-over. 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

During landing roll on a gravel bar in gusting wind, the tail of a tailwheel-equipped airplane lifted, causing it to nose over. The empennage sustained substantial damage. No mechanical malfunctions were reported.

Accident Details

The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll on a gravel bar in gusting wind, the tail seemed to lift due to the wind. Subsequently, the airplane nosed over. The landing was made to the north.

Damage Assessment

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Weather Information

An automated weather observation station located about 6 nautical miles west of the accident site provided wind data. Approximately 36 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 340° at 14 knots, gusting 22 knots. Approximately 24 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 360° at 19 knots, gusting 26 knots. The airplane was landing to the north.

Contributing factors

Causes

Pitch control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation