Flight Summary
On July 1, 2021, at approximately 15:30 UTC, a flight instructor and a private pilot began taxiing for Runway 02 at Gálvez Aerodrome in Santa Fe Province aboard a Piper PA-11, registration LV-RNY. The flight was intended as the first session of a transition training to a tailwheel aircraft. While entering the runway from the intersection of Runway 05-23, the aircraft lost longitudinal control and overturned at low speed. As a result, the aircraft sustained substantial damage; both occupants exited the aircraft without injuries. The incident occurred during daylight and in good weather conditions. According to information gathered, the aerodrome windsock indicated significant wind from the north quadrant.
Investigation
The aeroclub authorities provided an account of the event. The aircraft was moved from the site to allow continued operations without authorization from the Junta de Seguridad en el Transporte (JST); therefore, evidence for the investigation was provided by club personnel present at the time of the incident.
The aircraft began taxiing from the apron, entered Runway 05-23, stopped at the intersection with Runway 02, then turned right to continue taxiing. During the turn, control was lost, and the aircraft ended up parallel to the runway centerline but facing opposite to the intended direction.
Aircraft Damage
Significant damage occurred to the wing struts of both wings, the vertical stabilizer, and the cockpit (support, windshield, and right-hand door).
Personnel Information
Flight records indicated that both crew members were certified and qualified in accordance with current regulations. The flight instructor had obtained his license in June 2019 and had accumulated a total of 1390.8 flight hours, 106.1 of which were in the Piper PA-11. The pilot undergoing transition training had obtained his private pilot license in June 2017 and had flown approximately 150 hours in the Piper PA-11.
Meteorological Conditions
The synoptic chart for 15:00 UTC recorded wind from 020° at 16 knots and visibility of 10 kilometers. This information matched reports from the flight crew. The effect of wind was considered a contributing factor in the loss of control.
Ground Operations
This incident highlighted the importance of ground operations, as safe flights begin and end on the ground. Every flight operation should be preceded by appropriate planning and briefings, considering the environment, facilities, aircraft handling characteristics, and the experience and training of personnel. During the maneuver entering the runway, the aircraft had greater exposure to tailwind than headwind. Instructional publications recommend that, during taxi with moderate or strong tailwinds, the control column should be moved opposite the wind (aileron down on the upwind wing). Because the wind comes from behind, this control position reduces the tendency of the wind to lift the wing. Additionally, these publications warn of negative effects from simultaneously applying engine power and brakes, especially when starting from a stationary condition and using braking and wheel locking to pivot. In moderate to strong wind conditions, combinations of control inputs (flight controls, engine, and brakes) can have unintended consequences.