The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped Piper PA-18 reported that, while circling over the airport in Dorris, California, she observed the windsock in a “light and variable” state.
She added that, after a touch-and-go landing, she added full power for takeoff and the airplane veered to the right, then back to the runway centerline, at which point the airplane became briefly airborne.
The airplane landed back on the runway, veered off the runway to the left, hit sage brush, and came to rest inverted.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
NTSB Identification: GAA18CA191
This March 2018 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
I can see where a J-3 Cub with a 150 HP, O-320 could be a handful on an immediate full power takeoff, with a rudder designed for 65 HP.
Is there is a ‘large rudder’ upgrade to handle the added 85 hp P-factor ?
The following pilot’s report suggests loss of control on departure, rather than takeoff. Very unfortunate – thankfully no injuries. “The next events happened very quickly. On roll out after adding power for take off, I veered a bit to the right brought it back to center then was airborne, how far off the ground, I am not sure. Possibly around 10 feet? Was headed South, then all of a sudden was headed Southeast. The next thing I know is I’m going through sage brush then turned upside down. Noticed engine was off. I turned off the fuel, mags, radios. Exited aircraft. Found myself off the East side of the runway about 50-100 feet. No injuries. Suspect I went through a dust devil. “
Many of these accidents have a common cause, that being a loss of directional control. Why is that? Are the students not being taught proper rudder input? Maybe the CFI’s don’t have enough rudder technique to teach?
But what happens if you do get caught in a “dust devil”. I’ve seen them where they hadn’t picked up much dust or whatever, and are hard to see until they do.
Not quite the strength of a tornado, but enough to cause you some problems with a tail-wheel plane? But then, I don’t have any tail-wheel time. So I don’t know.
Shouldn’t have anything to do with it being a tailwheel. Once the tailwheel aircraft is in the air, it basically has the same flight characteristics as if it were a nose wheel aircraft.