Piper PA 18A
McGrath, AK — January 28, 2019
Event Information
| Date | January 28, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA19CA132 |
| Event ID | 20190207X71722 |
| Location | McGrath, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 62.78611, -154.75362 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Piper |
| Model | PA 18A |
| 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 selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in the landing gear collapsing.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the ski-equipped airplane reported that, while landing off-airport on a snow-covered field, he side loaded the landing gear on the left side against a large "tussock" hidden by the snow. The left landing gear folded under the airplane, causing the left wingtip to drop into the snow and impact a snow-covered tussock.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact 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.