Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that he was landing the tailwheel-equipped airplane in gusty, crosswind conditions. During the landing roll, the airplane encountered a gust of wind and "weathervaned" to the right. The pilot applied left rudder, but the airplane continued right, traveled off the side of the runway, and ground looped, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing. The operator reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Postaccident examination of the airplane also revealed no anomalies.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12CA374 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 26, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Farmingdale, New Jersey
- Nearest airport
- Monmouth Executive Airport (BLM)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18A 150
- N-number
- N4895A
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Positioning
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.