On 20 Mar 2020, a Piper PA18 150 was involved in an aviation accident near Canyon, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a collision with a ditch and the left main landing gear collapsing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During an off-airport landing to a wheat field, the left main landing gear encountered a ditch, causing the gear to collapse and the left wing to strike the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing lift strut. The pilot noted that further care should have been taken in evaluating the landing zone.
Accident Details
A pilot conducted an off-airport landing to a wheat field. During the landing roll, the left main landing gear encountered a ditch located approximately midfield. The impact caused the left main landing gear to collapse, and the left wing subsequently struck the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing lift strut.
Wind Conditions
The pilot reported that at the time of the accident, the wind was from the north at 10 knots, and he had landed the airplane into the wind.
Pilot's Remarks
In his report, the pilot stated, "Further care should have been conducted in evaluating the LZ (Landing Zone)."