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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

November 23, 2019 · Piper PA18 · N530AK

Kerrville, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 23, 2019
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Kerrville, TX
Aircraft
Piper PA18 (1956)
Tail Number
N530AK
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN20CA033

The pilot reported that, based on the wind reported by the destination airport's AWOS, he decided to conduct a conventional, full-stall, three-point landing. He said the approach was normal and stabilized. When the airplane was about 1 ft above the runway, a wind gust pushed the airplane left. The left main landing gear contacted the runway, and the airplane drifted right. The left shock absorber broke, and the airplane swerved right. The tailwheel unlocked, and the airplane ground looped, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. 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 loss of airplane control during the landing flare, which resulted in a loss of directional control and ground-loop.

Full Narrative

. The private pilot was on a cross-country flight with one passenger. He stated that based on the wind reported by his destination airport's Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS), he decided to make a conventional, full-stall, 3-point landing. He said he crossed mid-field and entered a left downwind for runway 30. The turn to base and final were normal. When the airplane was about a foot off the runway at stall speed, "an unexpected" wind gust pushed the airplane to the left. The left main landing gear contacted the runway, and the airplane drifted to the right. The left shock absorber broke, and the airplane swerved to the right. The tailwheel unlocked and the airplane ground looped. Damage included a bent left wing and left main landing gear. The pilot did not indicate the wind direction but said it was at 7 knots. AWOS reported that the wind was calm. The pilot did not indicate that there were any mechanical anomalies with the airplane prior to the accident. He noted that the destination airport "has a reputation for gusty wind conditions . . . the gust caught me in a landing configuration where I was unable to maintain directional control at touchdown." The pilot stated that once the tailwheel turns about 15 to 20 degrees, it unlocks automatically and the tailwheel swivels. When the airplane began its turn and reached the point where the tailwheel unlocked, there is no tailwheel steering.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 CST
Nearest AirportKerrville Municipal (0nm ESE)
Runway30
Runway Length6004 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA18
Tail NumberN530AK
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 62 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 39 C
Altimeter30.27 inHg
Observation Time16:50
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data