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August 18, 2020 · Piper PA 20 · N1526A

Talkeetna, AK

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 18, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Talkeetna, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA 20 (1951)
Tail Number
N1526A
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC20CA082

The commercial pilot reported that he was practicing landings in the tailwheel-equipped airplane to gain more experience in that model while flying in the right seat. He hired a flight instructor who was experienced in the model airplane to provide instruction from the left seat. During the pilot’s second flight in the airplane, while he was performing a 3-point landing, the airplane bounced slightly on the asphalt runway. After bouncing, the tailwheel shimmied, and the airplane immediately ground looped to the right and the left wing and horizontal stabilizer impacted the surface, which resulted in substantial damage. The flight instructor reported that the pilot was acting as pilot-in-command for the entire flight, and that she was not providing instruction, but rather allowing the pilot to gain flight time from the right seat. During the final approach, she observed that the airplane was about 5 knots fast before the 3-point landing. When the airplane touched down it bounced and then settled down while in a slight right yaw. The airplane immediately turned right upon touch down and the pilot at the controls attempted to correct with left brake, but the left wing impacted the runway. The pilot had a tailwheel endorsement, a flight instructor certificate and was current for flying as a pilot-in-command. He reported that he was obtaining right seat flight time so that he could instruct in the same model of airplane. The tailwheel was examined by a mechanic after the accident and determined to function properly.

NTSB Probable Cause

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

Full Narrative

The commercial pilot reported that he was practicing landings in the tailwheel-equipped airplane to gain more experience in that model while flying in the right seat. He hired a flight instructor who was experienced in the model airplane to provide instruction from the left seat. During the pilot’s second flight in the airplane, while he was performing a 3-point landing, the airplane bounced slightly on the asphalt runway. After bouncing, the tailwheel shimmied, and the airplane immediately ground looped to the right and the left wing and horizontal stabilizer impacted the surface, which resulted in substantial damage. The flight instructor reported that the pilot was acting as pilot-in-command for the entire flight, and that she was not providing instruction, but rather allowing the pilot to gain flight time from the right seat. During the final approach, she observed that the airplane was about 5 knots fast before the 3-point landing. When the airplane touched down it bounced and then settled down while in a slight right yaw. The airplane immediately turned right upon touch down and the pilot at the controls attempted to correct with left brake, but the left wing impacted the runway. The pilot had a tailwheel endorsement, a flight instructor certificate and was current for flying as a pilot-in-command. He reported that he was obtaining right seat flight time so that he could instruct in the same model of airplane. The tailwheel was examined by a mechanic after the accident and determined to function properly.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 AKDT
Nearest AirportTalkeetna Airport (0nm N)
Runway1
Runway Length3300 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA 20
Tail NumberN1526A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-290 · Reciprocating · 140
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 40 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 22 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 55 ft
Temperature / Dew Point59 / 51
Altimeter29.86 inHg
Observation Time11:26
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data