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March 13, 2013 · Piper PA-25-235 · N7329Z

Groveland, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 13, 2013
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Groveland, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA-25-235
Tail Number
N7329Z
Operator
Tampa Bay Soaring Society
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA13CA164

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he was conducting glider-tow operations, which were departing into the wind; the gliders were then landing in the opposite direction with a tailwind. After an uneventful glider tow and release, the airplane was returning to the airport to conduct a second glider tow. While turning to the base leg of the airport traffic pattern, a tailwind gust caused the airplane to lose about 10 mph of airspeed. To compensate, the pilot increased engine power and increased the airspeed from 60 mph to 80 mph, where it remained until touchdown. The pilot further stated that the airplane touched down "too fast" about 600 feet down the runway. He was concerned that the airplane would collide with gliders at the end of the runway, so he applied heavy braking, which caused the airplane to nose over and come to rest inverted on the runway. Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the left wing; no preimpact mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal airplane operation were observed, nor did the pilot report any. The pilot added that he should have performed a go-around when the tailwind gust upset the approach on base leg. Recorded weather near the accident site indicated a tailwind of 8 knots, gusting to 15 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain the proper airspeed during a tailwind approach, his improper decision to continue a fast approach with a tailwind rather than go around, and his improper use of the wheel brakes during the landing roll.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel airplane reported that the glider-tow operations were departing into the wind on a 3,000-foot long turf runway, and landing in the opposite direction, with a tailwind. After an uneventful glider release, the airplane was returning to the airport for a second glider tow. While turning on to a base leg of the airport traffic pattern, a tailwind gust caused the airplane to lose about 10 mph of airspeed. To compensate, the pilot increased engine power, which increased the airspeed from 60 mph to 80 mph, where it remained until touchdown. The pilot further stated that the airplane touched down "too fast," about 600 feet down the runway. He was concerned that the airplane would collide with gliders at the end of the runway, so he applied heavy braking, which caused the airplane to flip over and come to rest inverted on the runway. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the left wing. The inspector did not observe any preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane, nor did the pilot report any. The pilot added that he should have performed a go-around when the tailwind gust upset the approach on base leg. Recorded weather near the accident site indicated a tailwind of 8 knots, gusting to 15 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 EDT
Nearest AirportSeminole Lake Gliderport (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length3000 ft
Runway Width200 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-25-235
Tail NumberN7329Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTampa Bay Soaring Society
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540 · Reciprocating · 250
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 70 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 8 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 28 C
Altimeter30.18 inHg
Observation Time17:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data