On October 16, 2019, a Piper PA18 150 was involved in an aviation accident near Gerlach, NV. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A tailwheel airplane with tundra tires stalled and impacted terrain during a landing approach to a dirt field after yawing right at low altitude. The pilot reported variable wind conditions and a quartering tailwind gust. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Accident Details
During an approach to land on a dirt field, a tailwheel airplane equipped with tundra tires experienced a sudden yaw to the right when it was about 10 feet above the ground. The right wing subsequently aerodynamically stalled, causing the airplane to impact the terrain. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have prevented normal operation. He reported that the wind was variable at 10 to 13 knots. After exiting the airplane, he observed that the wind was "swirling" and not constant. He assumed that he encountered a quartering tailwind gust. The pilot was landing the airplane to the northwest.
What happened in the 16 Oct 2019 Piper PA18 150 accident near Gerlach, NV?
A tailwheel airplane with tundra tires stalled and impacted terrain during a landing approach to a dirt field after yawing right at low altitude. The pilot reported variable wind conditions and a quartering tailwind gust. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 16 Oct 2019 Piper PA18 150 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Oct 2019 involved a Piper PA18 150, at Gerlach, NV.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
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