PIPER PA 18A 150
Soldotna, AK — June 14, 2015
Event Information
| Date | June 14, 2015 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ANC15CA040 |
| Event ID | 20150616X53414 |
| Location | Soldotna, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 60.47528, -151.04111 |
| Airport | SOLDOTNA |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA 18A 150 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff in gusty crosswind conditions.
Full Narrative
The pilot was departing from a gravel runway with a left gusting crosswind. Just after lifting off the ground, the pilot stated that the airplane rapidly turned 90 degrees to the right. The left main landing gear tire contacted the runway, and the airplane ground looped then nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to both wings and the empennage. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.