Piper PA18
St. Mary's, AK — September 21, 2018
Event Information
| Date | September 21, 2018 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA18CA567 |
| Event ID | 20180924X81703 |
| Location | St. Mary's, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 62.57000, -162.85001 |
| 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 selection of an unsuitable off-airport landing area, which resulted in a ground loop.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing at an off-airport dirt and grass landing area, the ground was very slippery. During the landing roll, the airplane struck a few holes and bumps and the airplane rocked side to side. The left wing struck the ground and "pushed up", which caused the right wing to strike and catch the ground. The airplane ground looped to the right and came to rest in a nose down attitude.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions 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.