Piper PA18 - 150 N4785F accident near Boulder, Colorado

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of directional control during a bounced landing, which resulted in a runway excursion.

NTSB analysis

While conducting a flight to practice landings in a tailwheel equipped airplane, the pilot made an approach to the runway. During the landing, the airplane touched down on the runway and bounced. The pilot attempted to regain control of the airplane as it touched down several times. The airplane exited the right side of the runway onto the grass and the left wing struck an embankment. A postaccident examination revealed the airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and aileron. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane prior to the accident that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA011 for the full record.