Piper PA18
McGrath, AK — August 20, 2018
Event Information
| Date | August 20, 2018 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA18CA504 |
| Event ID | 20180823X35503 |
| Location | McGrath, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 62.79750, -152.93083 |
| 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 failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in a crosswind.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during takeoff on a gravel, dirt airstrip, a "rogue crosswind gust of wind" pushed the airplane to the right. The airplane struck a "bump", became airborne, continued drifting right, and landed hard in a creek.
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 pilot reported that the prevailing wind was light and variable and not gusting. The airplane was departing to the south.
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.