PIPER PA-22-160

Phoenix, AZ — March 18, 2010

Event Information

DateMarch 18, 2010
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberWPR10CA170
Event ID20100320X93923
LocationPhoenix, AZ
CountryUSA
Coordinates33.30778, -111.65556
AirportPhoenix-Mesa Gateway Arpt
Highest InjuryNONE

Aircraft

MakePIPER
ModelPA-22-160
CategoryAIR
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
None2
Total Injured0

Event Location

Probable Cause

The student pilot's inadequate compensation for the quartering tailwind during landing and the flight instructor's delay in taking remedial action.

Full Narrative

The flight instructor said that he was giving the student pilot a final instructional flight before his Federal Aviation Administration private pilot certificate check ride. The student was flying the airplane and they were cleared for the option to runway 30L; the wind was from 180 degrees at 7 knots. The flight instructor alerted the student to the left quartering tailwind for the landing. The touchdown was normal, but as the airplane slowed, it began to drift left. Both pilots applied right rudder and then left rudder; however, directional control was lost, and the airplane ground looped. The left wing impacted the runway, bending and wrinkling the wing. Additionally, the aft fuselage was bent and wrinkled near the tail wheel.

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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