N3578Z

Substantial
None

PIPER PA-18-150S/N: 18-7368

Accident Details

Date
Friday, February 27, 2009
NTSB Number
ANC09CA033
Location
Fairbanks, AK
Event ID
20090417X21552
Coordinates
65.633331, -146.951660
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in the main landing gear collapsing during taxi.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18-7368
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1960
Model / ICAO
PA-18-150PA18
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
PA-18-150

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
NANCE GARY L
Address
1900 PHILLIPS FIELD RD
City
FAIRBANKS
State / Zip Code
AK 99701-2707
Country
United States

Analysis

The private pilot was doing an aerial wolf hunt under Title 14, CFR Part 91. He said he landed the ski equipped airplane on a snow-covered area, but due to the rough terrain, the left main landing gear collapsed during taxi after landing. An inspection of the airplane by an FAA inspector revealed damage to the left main landing gear attachment to the fuselage that required reinforcement of the fuselage, and replacement of the attachment. The pilot said there were no known mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident. In a written statement to the NTSB, the pilot said he should have chosen a better operating area.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC09CA033