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NTSB Report
December 1, 1991 · Piper PA22-150 · N3170Z
Palo Alto, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 1, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Palo Alto, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA22-150
Tail Number
N3170Z
Operator
James Ham
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX92LA056
THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HIS AIRPLANE HAD BEEN MODIFIED BY THE INSTALLATION OF A TAIL WHEEL ASSEMBLY. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, HE LANDED ON RUNWAY 12 AND DURING ROLLOUT LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. THEREAFTER, THE AIRPLANE GROUND LOOPED. AT THE TIME THE WIND WAS FROM 120 DEGREES AT 5 KNOTS. DURING THE POST-ACCIDENT EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE NO EVIDENCE WAS FOUND OF ANY MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS. THE PILOT REPORTED HAVING 600 HOURS OF TAIL DRAGGER FLIGHT TIME.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE LANDING ROLLOUT.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HIS AIRPLANE HAD BEEN MODIFIED BY THE INSTALLATION OF A TAIL WHEEL ASSEMBLY. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, HE LANDED ON RUNWAY 12 AND DURING ROLLOUT LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. THEREAFTER, THE AIRPLANE GROUND LOOPED. AT THE TIME THE WIND WAS FROM 120 DEGREES AT 5 KNOTS. DURING THE POST-ACCIDENT EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE NO EVIDENCE WAS FOUND OF ANY MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS. THE PILOT REPORTED HAVING 600 HOURS OF TAIL DRAGGER FLIGHT TIME.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:55 PST
Nearest AirportPALOALTO (0nm N)
Runway12
Runway Length2500 ft
Runway Width65 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA22-150
Tail NumberN3170Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJames Ham
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 48 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 5 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 36 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time23:56
Weather SourceWFAC