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NTSB Report

March 21, 2003 · Piper PA-18-135 · N2474Z

Chandler, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 21, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Chandler, AZ
Aircraft
Piper PA-18-135
Tail Number
N2474Z
Operator
Chandler Air Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX03LA115

The tail-wheel equipped airplane sustained substantial damage when the pilot ground looped it during the landing roll. The student pilot flared high and touched down hard on the main wheels and bounced back into the air. The pilot attempted to recover by lowering the nose and executing a three-point landing. The airplane touched down again with the nose pointing to the left of the runway centerline. Unable to return the airplane back to runway heading, the pilot continued to the left and departed the runway into a dirt area. The airplane ground looped, with the right wing tip and right elevator making contact with the ground. The pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's improper flare and his failure to maintain directional control. A contributing factor is the student pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing.

Full Narrative

On March 21, 2003, about 1640 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-18-135, N2474Z, ground looped during the landing roll at Chandler Municipal Airport (CHD), Chandler, Arizona. The airplane was registered to a private individual, and Chandler Air Service was operating it under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The student pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The local instructional flight departed Chandler about 1625. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed. In a written statement, the student pilot reported that he was attempting to perform practice touch-and-go takeoff and landings in the tail-wheel equipped airplane. During the first attempt, he configured the airplane for a normal tail-wheel landing and flared about 25 to 30 feet above ground level (agl). Upon touchdown, the airplane hit the runway hard and bounced back into the air. He attempted to recover by lowering the nose and executing a three-point landing. The airplane touched down again with the nose pointing to the left of runway centerline. Unable to return the airplane back to runway heading, the pilot continued to the left and departed off the runway into a dirt area. The airplane ground looped, and the right wing tip and right elevator made contact with the ground. The airplane came to rest upright with the engine running. The pilot uneventfully taxied back to the tie down area. The damage the airplane incurred from the accident included a bent right elevator tip, a bent right wingtip, and a bend in the rear wing spar. The pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:40 MST
Nearest AirportChandler Municipal Airport (0nm N)
Runway04R
Runway Length4850 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18-135
Tail NumberN2474Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorChandler Air Service
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-290 · Reciprocating · 135
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 43 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point37 C
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time23:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data