What happened
On July 1, 2021, at approximately 15:30 UTC, a Piper PA-11, registration LV-RNY, was involved in a ground loss of control incident at the Gálvez Aerodrome in Santa Fe, Argentina. The flight was being conducted by an instructor and a private pilot as part of a flight training session intended to transition the pilot to aircraft with conventional landing gear.
While taxiing toward runway 02 from the intersection of runway 05-23, the aircraft attempted a right-hand turn. During this maneuver, the aircraft lost longitudinal control and overturned at low speed. The impact caused significant damage to the wing struts, the vertical stabilizer, and the cockpit area, including the windshield and the right door. Both occupants exited the aircraft without sustaining any injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft' and the environmental conditions at the time of the incident. Meteorological data confirmed a significant wind from the north, recorded at 16 knots, which placed the aircraft in a tailwind configuration during the maneuver.
Investigators analyzed the flight crew's actions during the turn. To overcome the weathercock effect caused by the wind, the instructor directed the use of asymmetric braking and engine power to force the turn. Additionally, the investigation noted that the elevator was positioned forward, a practice sometimes used during tailwind taxiing, but which in this instance contributed to the aircraft's nose-down tendency.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the use of improper control combinations, specifically the simultaneous application of engine power and heavy braking to force a non-standard turn.
- Significant wind from the north acted as a contributing factor, making directional control difficult using standard taxiing power.
- The use of a non-conventional turning technique—locking a wheel with the brakes while applying power—created an unstable movement.
- The forward elevator position increased the aircraft's tendency to pitch forward, leading to the rapid loss of control and subsequent capsize.
- The damage to the aircraft, including the wing struts and cockpit, is consistent with an asymmetric overturn.