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NTSB Report
February 29, 2020 · Piper PA 18 125 · N1890A
Santa Barbara, CA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 29, 2020
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Santa Barbara, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA 18 125 (1952)
Tail Number
N1890A
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR20CA105
The pilot reported that, during the landing approach to a ridgeline airstrip, he deployed full flaps and descended to the touchdown point. About 15 ft above ground level, the airplane started to descend, which he failed to recognize and arrest. The pilot added that the approach speed was also a little too slow for the unstable air, which likely increased the descent rate. Subsequently, the airplane touched down hard short of the touchdown point, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. The left wing and empennage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the approach, which resulted in a rapid descent rate, hard landing, and nose-over.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that during the landing approach to a ridgeline airstrip, he deployed full wing flaps and descended to the touchdown point. About 15 ft above ground level, the airplane encountered a sink that he failed to recognize and arrest. The pilot further remarked that the approach speed was also a little too slow for the unstable air which likely increased the rate of descent. The airplane touched down hard, short of the touchdown point, and nosed over, coming to rest inverted. The left wing and empennage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:00 PST
Nearest AirportPRIVATE (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA 18 125
Tail NumberN1890A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235 SERIES · Reciprocating · 160
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 48 · Third Class · Minor
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 57
Altimeter0
Observation Time17:53
Weather SourceWFAC