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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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NTSB Report

March 12, 2003 · Piper PA-18 · N276T

Mineral, VA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 12, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Mineral, VA
Aircraft
Piper PA-18
Tail Number
N276T
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC03LA068

According to the pilot, who was receiving floatplane instruction, the flight proceeded to the lake to conduct on-water maneuvers. After landing on the lake several times, the flight instructor requested that the pilot perform a few step taxis. During one of the taxis, as the floatplane was being turned to the right, the pilot stated, "I don't think we are going to make it." The instructor replied, "Put in more rudder." The pilot informed the instructor that he already had applied full right rudder, and added full power in an attempt to "pull us through the turn." As the floatplane neared the shoreline, the instructor decreased the power, and the left wing struck a tree. The airplane turned abruptly to the left, and came to rest along the shoreline.

NTSB Probable Cause

The flight instructor's delayed remedial action.

Full Narrative

On March 12, 2003, at 1000 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-18 floatplane, N276T, was substantially damaged while taxiing on Lake Anna, near Mineral, Virginia. The certificated commercial pilot and certified flight instructor were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the instructional flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, who was receiving floatplane instruction, the flight had originated from Warrenton, Virginia, and proceeded to Lake Anna, to conduct on-water maneuvers. After landing on the lake several times, the flight instructor requested that the pilot perform a few step taxis. During one of the taxis, as the floatplane was being turned to the right, the pilot stated, "I don't think we are going to make it." The instructor replied, "Put in more rudder." The pilot informed the instructor that he already had applied full right rudder, and added full power in an attempt to "pull us through the turn." As the floatplane neared the shoreline, the instructor decreased the power, and the left wing struck a tree. The airplane turned abruptly to the left, and came to rest along the shoreline. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage after the accident. He observed substantial damage to the left wing. The flight instructor, who also owned the floatplane, failed to return the pilot operator report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, sent to him on three different occasions.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:00 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18
Tail NumberN276T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 70 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 21 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 43 C
Altimeter30.09 inHg
Observation Time15:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data