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NTSB Report
September 27, 2019 · Piper PA 12 No Series · N3985M
Williams, CA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 27, 2019
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Williams, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA 12 No Series (1947)
Tail Number
N3985M
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA19CA586
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, after landing on a gravel road, he looked to the right and unintentionally steered the airplane to the right into a small ditch. He applied power to force the airplane out of the ditch back onto the road, however, the right main landing gear "locked up due to the weeds wrapping around it". The airplane ground looped and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's over application of power during recovery from a runway excursion, which resulted in a ground loop and nose over.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, after landing on a gravel road, he looked to the right and unintentionally steered the airplane to the right into a small ditch. He applied power to force the airplane out of the ditch back onto the road, however, the right main landing gear "locked up due to the weeds wrapping around it". The airplane ground looped and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA 12 No Series
Tail NumberN3985M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 56 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 3100 ft
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter29.86 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC