Probable cause
The pilot's misjudged approach which resulted in overshooting the landing point and insufficient remaining landing surface.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he overflew an open field that he intended to conduct an off airport landing on. He stated that the field was of sufficient length and had a suitable landing surface. During the landing, the tailwheel equipped airplane touched down longer than the pilot had intended and he intentionally ground looped the airplane to avoid traveling down a ravine. During the accident sequence, the left wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR14CA378 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 25, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Walla Walla, Washington
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 18A 150
- N-number
- N7860D
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1957
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.