PIPER PA18
Cody, WY — May 25, 2019
Event Information
| Date | May 25, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA19CA285 |
| Event ID | 20190526X53932 |
| Location | Cody, WY |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 44.52028, -109.02389 |
| Airport | Yellowstone Rgnl |
| 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 student pilot's improper landing flare in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a bounced landing, and his subsequent loss of airplane control after overcorrecting with rudder. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in a nose-over.
Full Narrative
The student pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, during the instructional flight, he was practicing stop and go landings. On his second landing, while on short final, the glide path was lower than normal, and he increased the power setting to extend the glide. After crossing the runway threshold, he flared slightly high and leveled the airplane to keep from sinking too fast. The airplane bounced slightly on touchdown, and he overcorrected with rudder inputs due to a crosswind. The airplane rolled forward and the tail began to rise. The flight instructor reported that at this point he took over control, and applied back stick pressure, however, the airflow was to slow over the elevator flight control surface to have effect and the airplane nosed over coming to rest inverted on the runway.
The left-wing lift strut and rudder were substantially damaged.
The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions 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.