PIPER PA18S
Sterling, AK — July 23, 2017
Event Information
| Date | July 23, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA441 |
| Event ID | 20170724X14351 |
| Location | Sterling, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 60.52917, -150.82916 |
| Airport | SCOOTER'S LANDING STRIP |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA18S |
| 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 failure to maintain directional control while landing in crosswind conditions.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while landing in crosswind conditions, as the tailwheel set down the airplane veered left. Subsequently, the airplane exited the left side of the runway, struck a well head and came to rest nose down.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation system about 7 nautical miles from the accident site reported, about the time of the accident, the wind was 280° at 11 knots. The pilot landed on runway 26.
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.