Piper PA18
Gilliam Glacier, AK — August 12, 2018
Event Information
| Date | August 12, 2018 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA18CA494 |
| Event ID | 20180818X55332 |
| Location | Gilliam Glacier, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 63.69972, -147.12639 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Piper |
| Model | PA18 |
| 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 improper decision to take off in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a loss of control and collision with terrain.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that the weather conditions were "gusty winds with intermittent rain," and the wind was a quartering headwind at the remote airstrip. During takeoff initial climb, a "gust of wind" forced the airplane back into ground effect and an additional gust forced the airplane back onto the airstrip. The right main landing gear collapsed, the right wing struck the ground, and the airplane came to rest nose down.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The nearest automated weather observation station located at an airport 41 nautical miles from the accident site reported that, about 30 minutes prior the accident, the wind was from 170° true at 34 knots, gusting 45 knots. The pilot reported the wind was variable, 5 knots, gusting 22 knots. The pilot departed to the north.
The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented if he had waited for "calmer conditions."
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.