On 23 Mar 2019, a Piper PA 12 No Series was involved in an aviation accident near Mecosta, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in impact with a windsock pole. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A tailwheel-equipped airplane veered right during the landing roll on a turf runway in variable wind conditions, exited the runway, and struck a lighted runway cone and a windsock pole, causing substantial damage to the right wing.
Accident Summary
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he had landed on a turf runway in variable wind conditions. During the landing roll, the airplane veered to the right and exited the right side of the runway. After leaving the runway, the airplane struck a lighted runway cone and a windsock pole.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing as a result of the impact with the cone and pole.
Weather Conditions
The weather reporting station at the nearest airport reported that, around the time of the accident, the wind was from 340° at 7 knots. The pilot had landed on runway 36.
Mechanical Status
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintainedEffect on operation