PIPER PA 20
Marshfield, MA — September 19, 2015
Event Information
| Date | September 19, 2015 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA15CA273 |
| Event ID | 20150924X55029 |
| Location | Marshfield, MA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 42.09694, -70.67416 |
| Airport | MARSHFIELD MUNI - GEORGE HARLO |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA 20 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Probable Cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop and impact with terrain.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that on final approach, he realized he was above the normal glide path and performed a forward slip to lose altitude. At the conclusion of the slip, the airplane had a higher than normal approach airspeed. The pilot planned to make a wheel landing and when the airplane touched down, it landed hard, and bounced twice. The pilot then decided to alter his landing to a three point landing after the bounce. At touchdown the airplane "fishtailed" and started to veer left. The pilot was unable to correct the veer with control inputs, the airplane continued off the runway to the left and ground looped. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing, elevator, horizontal stabilizer, and fuselage.
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.