Piper PA18
Tyonek, AK — August 15, 2018
Event Information
| Date | August 15, 2018 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA18CA520 |
| Event ID | 20180816X03552 |
| Location | Tyonek, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 60.58889, -152.16194 |
| 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 | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting wind conditions.
Full Narrative
The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that prior to landing on the narrow, gravel surface airstrip, the airplane encountered a gust of wind from the right that "pushed me to the left a few feet." The airplane's left wing contacted the brush on the left side of the airstrip and the airplane exited the left side of the runway. The airplane descended a 2-foot ditch and stopped. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing spar.
The pilot reported that the wind condition was variable and gusting to 8 knots. Additionally, he reported that the skies were clear, and that the visibility exceeded 10 miles.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures 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.