On February 13, 2018, a PIPER PA 16 NO SERIES was involved in an aviation accident near Phoenix, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in crosswind conditions. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A tailwheel airplane veered right after touchdown due to a gust of wind, causing the left landing gear to collapse and substantial damage to the left wing. No mechanical issues were reported.
Incident Overview
A pilot flying a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the touchdown phase of landing, the airplane encountered a gust of wind from the right. As a result, the airplane veered to the right, and the left landing gear collapsed. The left wing sustained substantial damage.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane was functioning normally prior to the event.
Weather Conditions
The automated weather observation system at the accident airport recorded wind from 180° at 9 knots around the time of the accident. The pilot was landing on runway 7L.
Contributing factors
Causes
Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot
What happened in the 13 Feb 2018 PIPER PA 16 NO SERIES accident near Phoenix, AZ?
A tailwheel airplane veered right after touchdown due to a gust of wind, causing the left landing gear to collapse and substantial damage to the left wing. No mechanical issues were reported.
Were there any fatalities in the 13 Feb 2018 PIPER PA 16 NO SERIES accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 13 Feb 2018 involved a PIPER PA 16 NO SERIES, at Phoenix, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in crosswind conditions.
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