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NTSB Report
April 15, 2021 · Piper PA-22-160 · N3551Z
Cottonwood, AZ
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 15, 2021
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Cottonwood, AZ
Aircraft
Piper PA-22-160
Tail Number
N3551Z
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR21LA160
The pilot of a tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll, while adjusting the flap handle, he briefly stepped on the right rudder and the airplane veered to the right. While attempting to correct with left rudder input, the airplane continued to veer to the right, exited the runway, ground looped to the right and collapsed the left main landing gear. The airplane sustained 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
Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained
Full Narrative
The pilot of a tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll, while adjusting the flap handle, he briefly stepped on the right rudder and the airplane veered to the right. While attempting to correct with left rudder input, the airplane continued to veer to the right, exited the runway, ground looped to the right and collapsed the left main landing gear. The airplane sustained 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.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:00 MST
Nearest AirportCottonwood (0nm N)
Runway14/3
Runway Length4252 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-22-160
Tail NumberN3551Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 55 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59 / 10 C
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time09:53
Weather SourceWFAC