# NTSB DEN90LA187: Piper PA-22-160, N86483, Springdale, AR, September 15, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 15, 1990, 16:03 local (21:03 UTC)
- Place: Springdale, AR
- Coordinates: 36.179931, -94.140106 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.1799&lon=-94.1401&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 9, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17991
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN90LA187
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17991/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN90LA187

## Probable cause

PILOT'S LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT, DURING LANDING, DUE TO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION OF THE TAILWHEEL ASSEMBLY.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, landing - flare/touchdown
  - landing gear,tailwheel lock - worn (cause)
- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
- Gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - landing gear,main gear - overload

## Analysis

THE PRIVATE PILOT (FLYING HIS OWN AIRCRAFT) MADE A NORMAL LANDING UNDER CALM WIND CONDITIONS. ON TOUCHDOWN, THE AIRCRAFT SUDDENLY SWERVED AND THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL BEFORE THE AIRCRAFT GROUND LOOPED, DAMAGING THE RIGHT WING AND COLLAPSING THE LANDING GEAR. SUBSEQUENT EXAMINATION OF THE TAILWHEEL ASSEMBLY REVEALED THE CENTERING DETENT HAD FAILED DUE TO EXCESSIVE WEAR.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N86483](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N86483), registered now, S/N 22-5777, built 1957 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22-160
- Registry model: [Piper PA-22-160](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-160) (registry code 7102214) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 22-5777
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2A 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: James R. Younkin
- Departed: H73, TAHLEQUAH, OK
- Airport: ASG, Springdale Municipal, runway 18, 5,302 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 61; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 6,000 total, 250 in this make and model, 30 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 260° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 91 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: FYU

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19900915039889A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900915039889A), Sep 15, 1990: Piper STCPA22, Springdale, AR, Substantial damage. Ground looped on landing. Pilot unable to regain control from sudden swerve. Tail wheel centering detent worn out.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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