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NTSB Report

October 27, 2018 · Piper PA18 150 · N4500W

Denver, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 27, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Denver, CO
Aircraft
Piper PA18 150 (1980)
Tail Number
N4500W
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA19CA045

The pilot under instruction in the tailwheel-equipped airplane with 26-inch bush wheels reported that, during the approach, he saw indications of a headwind. He added that, when the airplane touched down on the main wheels, he noticed that the windsock had shifted and was indicating a direct left crosswind. Just before the tailwheel touched down, the left wing lifted, and he slowly added power to abort the landing. However, the airplane veered left, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing struck the ground. The airplane exited the left side of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and the elevator. The airport's automated surface observing system reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 280° at 25 knots, gusting to 30 knots. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

The pilot under instruction was in the tailwheel-equipped airplane with 26-inch bush wheels and reported that he observed indications of a head wind during the approach to the asphalt runway. He asserted that when the airplane touched down on the mains, he noticed that the windsock had shifted indicating a direct left crosswind. Just before the tailwheel touched down, the left wing lifted, and he slowly added power to abort the landing. However, the airplane veered to the left and the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing struck the ground. The airplane exited the left side of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and the elevator. The automated surface observing system at the airport reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was from 280° at 25 knots and gusting to 30 knots. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 MDT
Nearest AirportCentennial (0nm SW)
Runway28
Runway Length4800 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA18 150
Tail NumberN4500W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2B · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 27 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 28 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 25 kt, gusting 30 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 32 C
Altimeter30.07 inHg
Observation Time19:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data