No fatalities

3 Jan 2019: Piper PA 18-135 — Longmont, CO

Longmont, CO, United States

On 3 Jan 2019, a Piper PA 18-135 was involved in an aviation accident near Longmont, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. 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 his first flight as pilot-in-command of a tundra tire, tailwheel-equipped airplane, the pilot experienced a ground loop after the tailwheel touched down, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. No mechanical failures were reported.

Accident Overview

A pilot flying a tundra tire, tailwheel-equipped airplane for the first time as pilot-in-command experienced a ground loop during a three-point landing on a concrete runway. The incident occurred on the fourth such landing attempt.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that after the tailwheel touched down, the airplane veered left. He applied right rudder to correct and attempted to return to the runway centerline. Subsequently, he applied left rudder, but the airplane continued to veer right. The airplane then ground looped to the right, causing the left wing to strike the ground.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.

Owner Statement

The owner of the airplane, who was seated in the rear seat, reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot