Swiss STSB Reports on 2017 Piper PA-18-180M Runway Excursion at Hausen am Albis (HB-POD)

Incident Overview On 30 June 2017, a Piper PA-18-180M registered HB-POD experienced a loss of control during landing at Flugplatz Hausen am Albis (LSZN). The aircraft was operated under visual flight rules for a private check flight. The incident resulted in minor damage to the aircraft, specifically to the left wingtip, with no injuries to the two occupants. ## Aircraft and Personnel The aircraft was owned and held by Albis Wings, based in Hausen am Albis. The pilot was a Swiss national born in 1953, holding an EASA Private Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) issued by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (BAZL). He had approximately 1,150 total flight hours, including about 325 hours on the accident type. The flight instructor was a Swiss national born in 1985, holding an EASA Airline Transport Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) with 5,750 total hours and 97 hours on the accident type. ## Background The pilot had extensive experience with the PA-18-180M and had previously served as a tow pilot. During a proficiency check in October 2016, the aircraft crossed the runway edge twice and stopped on the grass without damage. In spring 2017, the pilot conducted landing training with the chief flight instructor of Albis Wings, which he aborted after several touch-and-go landings. The chief instructor subsequently revoked his permission to fly the HB-POD solo. The pilot then sought a second opinion, leading to the check flight on 30 June 2017. ## Sequence of Events The pilot and instructor met at Hausen am Albis for the check flight. After two full-stop landings on the grass runway, they flew to Triengen (LSPN) for a full-stop landing on the paved runway. On the return to Hausen am Albis, the pilot performed a power-off approach to runway 27 for training. During landing, the aircraft touched down first on the left main gear and tailwheel. After the right main gear made contact, the aircraft yawed slightly left of the runway centerline. The pilot corrected with right rudder, then overcorrected with left rudder. When the aircraft yawed left again, the pilot applied the right wheel brake, causing the aircraft to yaw right, contact the ground with the left wing, and come to a stop. Both occupants remained uninjured.