Piper J4A, N27838: Accident occurred November 30, 2018 at New London Airport (W90), Forest, Bedford County, Virginia

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Richmond, Virginia

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

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

https://registry.faa.gov/N27838

Location: Forest, VA
Accident Number: GAA19CA089
Date & Time: 11/30/2018, 1630 EST
Registration: N27838
Aircraft: Piper J4
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional 

The solo student pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during final approach to land, he realized he was too high and performed a forward slip. During touchdown, the airplane bounced twice and veered to the right. The airplane ground looped to the right, exited the runway, and the right main landing gear struck a guard rail.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift strut.

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

Student Pilot Information

Certificate: Student
Age: 17, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Lap Only
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 09/06/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  17.5 hours (Total, all aircraft), 17.5 hours (Total, this make and model), 0.3 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 17.5 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 0.5 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N27838
Model/Series: J4 A
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1940
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 4-1059
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 11/07/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1300 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: C-85
Registered Owner: Seaplanes R Fun Inc
Rated Power: 85 hp
Operator: SML Aviation
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KLYH, 938 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 7 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2154 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 64°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 6500 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 3 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 200°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 12°C / 9°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Forest, VA (W90)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Forest, VA (W90)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1600 EST
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: NEW LONDON (W90)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 842 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 36
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3164 ft / 40 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Traffic Pattern

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:  37.271111, -79.335556 (est)