PIPER PA-18-150

Fairbanks, AK — September 7, 2009

Event Information

DateSeptember 7, 2009
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberANC09CA094
Event ID20090907X30550
LocationFairbanks, AK
CountryUSA
Coordinates64.23972, -147.74445
AirportPrivate
Highest InjuryNONE

Aircraft

MakePIPER
ModelPA-18-150
CategoryAIR
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
None2
Total Injured0

Event Location

Probable Cause

A tailwheel malfunction that limited directional control, which resulted in a runway excursion, and collision with a building.

Full Narrative

The airline transport pilot was on a Title 14, CFR Part 91, personal cross-country flight when the accident occurred. The pilot reported that during the landing roll at a private airstrip, the airplane started drifting left. He said that right rudder and right brake did not correct the drift, and the airplane exited the runway in a left turn. The airplane struck a building adjacent to the runway with its right wing, and according to the pilot, received substantial damage to the leading edge and rear wing spar. The pilot indicated that an FAA certificated aviation mechanic who examined the airplane told him the tailwheel malfunctioned, and would not turn to the right. The pilot said there were no known mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.

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.

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