N7174K

On October 11, 2000, about 1100 Alaska daylight time, a tundra tire equipped Piper PA-18 airplane, N7174K, sustained substantial damage after landing on the tundra, about 35 miles southwest of Iliamna, Alaska, about latitude 59 degrees, 38 minutes west, and longitude 156 degrees, 07 minutes west. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) local area personal flight, when the accident occurred. The airplane was operated by the pilot. The commercial certificated pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated at the Iliamna Airport, Iliamna, about 1018.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), on October 11, 2000, the pilot reported he landed on the tundra in the Stuyahok Hills area to pick up a hunting partner. He said the wind conditions were gusty as he landed in a northwest direction. He shut off the engine and was preparing to exit the airplane. As he was sitting in the airplane, still strapped in the seat harness, a gust of wind blew the airplane over on its back. The airplane received damage to the overhead cabin structure, and the right wing lift strut was kinked.

The closest official weather observation station is Iliamna. At 1053, an Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) was reporting in part: Wind, 360 degrees (true) at 18 knots with gusts to 26 knots; visibility, 10 statute miles; clouds and sky condition, clear; temperature, 32 degrees F; dew point, 17 degrees F; altimeter, 29.69 inHg.

In the Pilot/Operator report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) submitted by the pilot, the pilot indicated the wind velocity at the accident site was 40 knots, with gusts to 50 knots.