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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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April 1, 1996 · Piper PA-18A · N454Q

Grand Haven, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 1, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Grand Haven, MI
Aircraft
Piper PA-18A
Tail Number
N454Q
Operator
John R Yarranton
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI96LA126

After touchdown from a left wing low landing, the student pilot, who was flying the airplane from the front seat, allowed the airplane to veer left. The instructor pilot, who was in the back seat, took control of the airplane, added full power, and pulled back on the stick in an attempt to avoid a runway light. The airplane cleared the light at a slow airspeed; however, its right wing immediately dipped and struck the terrain. The airplane then spun around and came to a stop. Examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies which could have contributed to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

failure of the dual student to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing, and inadequate supervision by the flight instructor.

Full Narrative

On April 1, 1996, at 1030 eastern standard time (est), a Piper, PA-18A, N454Q, operated by a commercial pilot, sustained substantial damage when during landing, the airplane impacted the terrain. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The instructional flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. No flight plan was on file. The instructor pilot and dual student reported no injuries. The flight originated at Grand Haven, Michigan, at 1025 est. The pilot stated that after touchdown from a left wing low landing, the student pilot, flying the airplane from the front seat, relaxed the controls, so as to dissipate enough speed to allow the tailwheel to touch down on the runway. The dual student said the airplane weathervaned and veered left. The instructor pilot, in the rear seat, took control of the airplane, added full power, and pulled back on the stick in an attempt to avoid a runway light. The airplane cleared the light at a slow airspeed. The airplane's right wing immediately dipped and struck the terrain. The airplane looped around and came to a stop near the runway. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who examined the wreckage found the airplane resting upright. The right wing frame was bent and the fabric was torn at the tip. The rear right wing spar was bent aft. The left wing tip showed scraping damage to the fabric and frame. The left main gear was bent outward and the left wheel was bent. The fuselage frame exhibited minor bending and fabric wrinkling throughout. The frame tubing over the cockpit had bent inward and the plexiglass overhead window was cracked. Flight control continuity was confirmed. No anomalies were found in the engine, engine controls or other airplane systems.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 EST
Nearest AirportGrand Haven (1nm W)
Runway9
Runway Length4000 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18A
Tail NumberN454Q
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJohn R Yarranton
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A2B · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 39 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 15 kt, gusting 20 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT

Appendix: Source Data