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NTSB Report
June 18, 2017 · Piper PA 18 150 · N4420Z
Red Bluff, CA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 18, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Red Bluff, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA 18 150 (1968)
Tail Number
N4420Z
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA352
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll on a gravel bar in gusting wind, the "tail seemed to pick up from the wind." Subsequently, the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation station located about 6 nautical miles west of the accident site reported that, about 36 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 340° at 14 knots, gusting to 22 knots. The same weather observation station reported that, about 24 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 360° at 19 knots, gusting to 26 knots. The airplane was landing to the north.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain pitch control during the landing roll in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a nose-over.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll on a gravel bar in gusting wind, the "tail seemed to pickup from the wind". Subsequently the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation station located about 6 nautical miles west from the accident site reported that, about 36 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 340° at 14 knots, gusting 22 knots. The same weather observation station reported that, about 24 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 360° at 19 knots, gusting 26 knots. The airplane was landing to the north.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:30 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA 18 150
Tail NumberN4420Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A2B · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 46 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 14 kt, gusting 22 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54
Altimeter29.85 inHg
Observation Time14:54
Weather SourceWFAC