Piper PA 12
Sisters, OR — April 10, 2019
Event Information
| Date | April 10, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA19CA202 |
| Event ID | 20190410X51002 |
| Location | Sisters, OR |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 45.58861, -122.59695 |
| Airport | Sisters Eagle Air |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
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 | 1 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain pitch control during the landing roll, which resulted in a nose-over.
Full Narrative
The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during the approach, the wind velocity increased and became turbulent. He recalled that during the landing roll, "I immediately applied a slight amount of forward stick," but when the tailwheel contacted the surface, "the wind suddenly changed to a tailwind," and the airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder, both wing lift struts, and the engine mounts.
The nearest METAR was located at an airport 1 mile away from the accident site, and reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was from 290° at 10 knots. The visibility was 10 statute miles, and the clouds were broken at 6,500ft MSL and deteriorating. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 20.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane 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.