PIPER PA 18A
Westminster, MD — May 20, 2016
Event Information
| Date | May 20, 2016 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA16CA262 |
| Event ID | 20160526X90012 |
| Location | Westminster, MD |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 39.46695, -77.01694 |
| Airport | CLEARVIEW AIRPARK |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA 18A |
| 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 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in runway excursion, and collision with terrain.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll, as soon as the tailwheel touched down a "significant shimmy" developed, but he also reported that the shimmy was not uncommon. He further reported that he attempted to "momentarily unload" the weight from the tailwheel, but the airplane suddenly veered off the runway to the left. The pilot reported that to avoid hitting a "wind indicator" he applied hard brakes, subsequently the airplane nosed forward, and the propeller impacted the ground.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
According to the pilot there were no pre-impact 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.