Piper PA 18A N7367D accident near Westminster, Maryland

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in runway excursion, and collision with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll, as soon as the tailwheel touched down a "significant shimmy" developed, but he also reported that the shimmy was not uncommon. He further reported that he attempted to "momentarily unload" the weight from the tailwheel, but the airplane suddenly veered off the runway to the left. The pilot reported that to avoid hitting a "wind indicator" he applied hard brakes, subsequently the airplane nosed forward, and the propeller impacted the ground.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

According to the pilot there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA262 for the full record.