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NTSB Report

June 30, 2019 · Piper PA 12 No Series · N4238M

Yakima, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 30, 2019
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Yakima, WA
Aircraft
Piper PA 12 No Series (1947)
Tail Number
N4238M
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA19CA376

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll, he felt a "tailwheel shimmy." He attempted to correct with elevator to no avail. The airplane veered right, and he attempted to add left brake, but the airplane quickly ground looped to the right. The left wing struck the runway. He then taxied the airplane to the ramp with difficulty. The pilot reported that postaccident examination revealed that the left tailwheel steering spring was missing. He added that the spring was present and operating normally during preflight and taxi before takeoff. Crash fire rescue personnel found the left steering spring on the runway while conducting an examination for runway damage. In pictures provided by the pilot, the spring appeared undamaged. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.

NTSB Probable Cause

The separation of the left steering spring from the tailwheel assembly during landing for reasons that could not be determined, which resulted in a ground loop.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll, he felt a "tailwheel shimmy." He attempted to correct with elevator to no avail. The airplane veered to the right, he attempted to add left brake, but the airplane quickly ground looped to the right. The left wing struck the runway. He then taxied the airplane to the ramp with difficulty. Postaccident examination revealed that the left tailwheel steering spring was missing. He added that the spring was present and operating normally during preflight and taxi before takeoff. Crash fire rescue personnel found the left steering spring on the runway while conducting an examination for runaway damage. In pictures provided by the pilot, the spring appeared undamaged. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about 47 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 160° at 7 knots. The same automated station reported that, about 13 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 140° at 6 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 27.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:40 PDT
Nearest AirportYakima Air Terminal/Mcallister (0nm ESE)
Runway27
Runway Length7604 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA 12 No Series
Tail NumberN4238M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-C1 · Reciprocating · 115
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 50 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Age 67 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data