PIPER PA-18
Fairbanks, AK — September 5, 2009
Event Information
| Date | September 5, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ANC09CA096 |
| Event ID | 20090910X64040 |
| Location | Fairbanks, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 64.99250, -147.92305 |
| Airport | Gold King Creek Airport |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-18 |
| 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 decision to land on unsuitable terrain, which resulted in a loss of control and a collision with trees.
Full Narrative
The private pilot reported he was landing his tailwheel-equipped airplane on a soft, rough and uneven gravel runway at the conclusion of a local personal flight operated under Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. He said immediately upon touchdown, the airplane veered to the right, and the right wing struck trees, which pivoted the airplane 180 degrees to the right. The left wing struck the ground and sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. In his written report to the NTSB the pilot noted that the accident might have been avoided if he had landed on the first part of the airstrip where the runway was wider.
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.