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NTSB Report

December 13, 2002 · Piper PA-12 · N87800

Fallon, NV

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 13, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Fallon, NV
Aircraft
Piper PA-12
Tail Number
N87800
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX03LA049

The pilot was demonstrating the airplane for a prospective buyer. The pilot was simulating an approach to land with the prospective buyer following through on the flight controls. During a turn to simulated final approach, the prospective buyer inadvertently applied left rudder. The pilot corrected with right aileron, which resulted in the airplane slipping and then impacting the ground. The pilot recommended better instruction to passengers to prevent future accidents. Post accident flight control continuity was established.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a low altitude maneuver. Contributing factors were the inadequate passenger briefing regarding the flight controls and the passenger's inadvertent use of the rudder.

Full Narrative

On December 12, 2002, about 1630 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-12, N87800, collided with terrain following a loss of control while maneuvering near Fallon, Nevada. The owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 for the local area flight. The pilot was demonstrating the borrowed airplane for a prospective buyer. The pilot and passenger were not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the personal flight that departed Fallon Municipal Airport about 1600. In a written statement submitted by the pilot, he stated that the prospective buyer requested the pilot fly for the demonstration. The flight departed Fallon Municipal with the pilot in the front seat and the prospective buyer in the rear seat. The pilot was demonstrating an approach to land with the prospective buyer following on the controls. During a turn to a simulated "final," the prospective buyer inadvertently applied left rudder. The pilot applied right aileron to correct; however, the airplane entered a slip and then impacted the ground. The pilot recommended better instruction to passengers to prevent future accidents. The pilot also reported having about 100 hours flight time in the make and model of the accident airplane with about 2,900 hours total time. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector completed a post accident examination. Continuity was established for all flight controls.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 PST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-12
Tail NumberN87800
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 60 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 25 C
Altimeter30.05 inHg
Observation Time23:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data