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NTSB Report
August 26, 1989 · Piper PA-18-150 · N4152N
Columbia, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 26, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Columbia, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-18-150
Tail Number
N4152N
Operator
Francis M Reps
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX89LA290
WHILE LANDING THE PIPER PA-18, THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A HARD LANDING AND LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT. HE ATTEMPTED TO REGAIN CONTROL BY APPLYING POWER AND INCREASING LEFT RUDDER. SEEING THAT THE SITUATION WAS NOT BEING CORRECTED, HE INCREASED POWER AND ATTEMPTED TO PERFORM A GO-AROUND. DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WAS NOT REGAINED AND THE AIRCRAFT VEERED OFF THE RUNWAY TO THE RIGHT. THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A BOULDER, DAMAGING A LANDING GEAR STRUT, THE PROPELLER, AND THE WINGS.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S IMPROPER RECOVERY FROM A BOUNCED LANDING AND LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL.
Full Narrative
WHILE LANDING THE PIPER PA-18, THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A HARD LANDING AND LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT. HE ATTEMPTED TO REGAIN CONTROL BY APPLYING POWER AND INCREASING LEFT RUDDER. SEEING THAT THE SITUATION WAS NOT BEING CORRECTED, HE INCREASED POWER AND ATTEMPTED TO PERFORM A GO-AROUND. DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WAS NOT REGAINED AND THE AIRCRAFT VEERED OFF THE RUNWAY TO THE RIGHT. THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A BOULDER, DAMAGING A LANDING GEAR STRUT, THE PROPELLER, AND THE WINGS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 PDT
Nearest AirportCOLUMBIA (0nm N)
Runway17
Runway Length4677 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-18-150
Tail NumberN4152N
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFrancis M Reps
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 54 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 5 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time19:46
Weather SourceWFAC