Piper PA18
Wyndmere, ND — March 7, 2019
Event Information
| Date | March 7, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA19CA158 |
| Event ID | 20190307X15558 |
| Location | Wyndmere, ND |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 46.45917, -97.18528 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Piper |
| Model | PA18 |
| 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 exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during an uncoordinated turn while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he was hired to make a predator control flight. After completing a right turn to the west, he initiated a climbing left turn to the east and about 75ft above the ground, the airplane "banked violently to the right and back to the left about two-three times", descended and impacted the snow-covered ground.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The hiring agency check pilot reported that during a post-accident flight review with the accident pilot, the pilot did not apply rudder inputs during turns, steep turns, and stall recovery.
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.