Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. A factor was the hidden culvert.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
Following tochdown on an open field the aircraft struck a hidden culvert and nosed over to the inverted position.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 28, 1993 at approximately 0925 central daylight time (CDT), a Piper PA 18A 150, N2880Z, was substantially damaged during landing near Palacios, Texas. The private pilot, also the owner, was not injured. Weather for the local flight was visual meteorological conditions. During an interview with a Federal Aviation Administration inspector the pilot reported that during the landing roll, following a landing to an open field, the airplane struck a drainage ditch and the airplane nosed over to the inverted position. -