PIPER PA 12
Palmer, AK — March 19, 2017
Event Information
| Date | March 19, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA193 |
| Event ID | 20170320X33640 |
| Location | Palmer, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 61.59945, -149.08667 |
| Airport | PALMER MUNI |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA 12 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a ground loop.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during takeoff he added full power, applied right rudder, and "pushed [the] stick forward to lift [the] tail off the ground". He added that the tail came back onto the ground and the airplane veered to the right. He further added that he overcorrected to the left and the airplane ground looped; subsequently, the right main landing gear collapsed and the right wing and elevator impacted the ground.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and elevator.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident 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.