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September 25, 2016 · Piper PA18 150 · N743R

Willow, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 25, 2016
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Willow, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA18 150 (1981)
Tail Number
N743R
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC16CA069

The pilot reported he was conducting stop-and-go-landings in a tailwheel-equipped airplane to a dry, gravel runway. During the third landing, he reported all three wheels from the landing gear were in contact with the runway and he slowed with normal braking application. He reported that he abruptly felt the tail of the airplane lift, the propeller impacted terrain, and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, the right wing struts, and the rudder. During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, the pilot stated that he was unsure if a tail wind or his braking application caused the airplane to nose over. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot wore a surplus U.S. Navy Flight Deck Crewman's helmet for the flight in addition to utilizing a four-point restraint system. He reported that if he was not wearing a helmet, the injuries sustained to his face, head, and brain would have been serious or fatal. The closest weather reporting facility was the Wasilla Airport, Wasilla, Alaska, about 20 miles southeast of the accident site. At 1556, an Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) was reporting in part: wind, calm. In the weather section of the National Transportation Safety Board Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot reported the wind direction was variable and the wind speed was light and variable at the accident site. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has published the Airplane Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-3A (2004). This handbook discusses braking application procedures for tailwheel-equipped airplanes and states in part: Some models of tailwheel airplanes are equipped with heel brakes rather than toe brakes. In either configuration the brakes are used primarily to stop the airplane at a desired point, to slow the airplane, or as an aid in making a sharp controlled turn. Whenever used, they must be applied smoothly, evenly, and cautiously at all times. The FAA and the Medallion Foundation has published the Alaska Flight Review Guide (2014). This guide discusses aviation life support equipment and states in part: Considering the type of aircraft and mission, a helmet may help survive an accident. The U.S. military and European community has established standards for flying helmets. Emphasize the importance of choosing a helmet which meets an appropriate standard for the type of operation, and which is kept in good repair. Fatal and serious injury data suggests that helmets are most useful in tandem seat aircraft. A three-point harness is the minimum installation recommended for both front and back seats. The four and five point harnesses are a great improvement to the security of the user due to the geometry of the belts installation. Any properly installed and worn shoulder harness is an improvement over no shoulder harness at all.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-(general)-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

The pilot reported he was conducting stop-and-go-landings in a tailwheel-equipped airplane to a dry, gravel runway. During the third landing, he reported all three wheels from the landing gear were in contact with the runway and he slowed with normal braking application. He reported that he abruptly felt the tail of the airplane lift, the propeller impacted terrain, and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, the right wing struts, and the rudder. During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, the pilot stated that he was unsure if a tail wind or his braking application caused the airplane to nose over. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot wore a surplus U.S. Navy Flight Deck Crewman's helmet for the flight in addition to utilizing a four-point restraint system. He reported that if he was not wearing a helmet, the injuries sustained to his face, head, and brain would have been serious or fatal. The closest weather reporting facility was the Wasilla Airport, Wasilla, Alaska, about 20 miles southeast of the accident site. At 1556, an Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) was reporting in part: wind, calm. In the weather section of the National Transportation Safety Board Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot reported the wind direction was variable and the wind speed was light and variable at the accident site. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has published the Airplane Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-3A (2004). This handbook discusses braking application procedures for tailwheel-equipped airplanes and states in part: Some models of tailwheel airplanes are equipped with heel brakes rather than toe brakes. In either configuration the brakes are used primarily to stop the airplane at a desired point, to slow the airplane, or as an aid in making a sharp controlled turn. Whenever used, they must be applied smoothly, evenly, and cautiously at all times. The FAA and the Medallion Foundation has published the Alaska Flight Review Guide (2014). This guide discusses aviation life support equipment and states in part: Considering the type of aircraft and mission, a helmet may help survive an accident. The U.S. military and European community has established standards for flying helmets. Emphasize the importance of choosing a helmet which meets an appropriate standard for the type of operation, and which is kept in good repair. Fatal and serious injury data suggests that helmets are most useful in tandem seat aircraft. A three-point harness is the minimum installation recommended for both front and back seats. The four and five point harnesses are a great improvement to the security of the user due to the geometry of the belts installation. Any properly installed and worn shoulder harness is an improvement over no shoulder harness at all.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:03 AKDT
Nearest AirportWILLOW (0nm E)
Runway31
Runway Length4400 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA18 150
Tail NumberN743R
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2B · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 61 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 7500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 36 C
Altimeter29.70 inHg
Observation Time23:36
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data