Piper PA18
Gerlach, NV — October 16, 2019
Event Information
| Date | October 16, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA20CA030 |
| Event ID | 20191017X25647 |
| Location | Gerlach, NV |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 40.33500, -119.90806 |
| 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 | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel and tundra tire-equipped airplane reported that, during approach to land on a dirt field, about 10 ft off the ground, the airplane yawed to the right, the right wing aerodynamically stalled and impacted terrain.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot reported that the wind was variable at 10 to 13 knots. He added that, after exiting the airplane, he observed that the wind was "swirling" and not constant. He assumed that he encountered a quartering tailwind gust. The pilot was landing the airplane to northwest.
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.