Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Piper PA-16 Clipper, N5726H: Accident occurred February 13, 2018 at Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (KDVT), Maricopa County, Arizona

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the touchdown, a wind gust struck the airplane from the right. Subsequently, the airplane veered to the right and the left landing gear collapsed.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The automated weather observation system located on the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 180° at 9 knots. The pilot landed on runway 7L.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing in crosswind conditions.

Findings

Aircraft
Directional control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Crosswind - Effect on operation
Tailwind - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing
Other weather encounter
Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Landing gear collapse

Additional Participating Entity: Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Scottsdale, Arizona

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

http://registry.faa.gov/N5726H

Location: Phoenix, AZ
Accident Number: GAA18CA130
Date & Time: 02/13/2018, 1440 MST
Registration: N5726H
Aircraft: PIPER PA 16
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the touchdown, a gust of wind struck the airplane from the right. Subsequently, the airplane veered to the right and the left gear collapsed.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The automated weather observation system located on the accident airport reported, that about the time of the accident the wind was from 180° at 9 knots. The pilot landed on runway 7L. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 70, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 02/01/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 02/04/2017
Flight Time: (Estimated) 24000 hours (Total, all aircraft), 2.2 hours (Total, this make and model), 23500 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 2.2 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 2.2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: PIPER
Registration: N5726H
Model/Series: PA 16 NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1949
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal; Utility
Serial Number: 16-338
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 09/01/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1650 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2135 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-235
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 115 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KDVT, 1455 ft msl
Observation Time: 2153 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 129°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Temperature/Dew Point: 21°C / 5°C
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 6500 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 9 knots, 180°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 30.1 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: SEDONA, AZ (SEZ)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Phoenix, AZ (DVT)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1310 MST
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: PHOENIX DEER VALLEY (DVT)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 1478 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 07L
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4500 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude:  33.688333, -112.082500 (est)

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