N91134

Substantial
None

PIPER PA-18-180S/N: 18-8109074

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
NTSB Number
ANC11CA081
Location
Valdez, AK
Event ID
20110818X63753
Coordinates
60.939167, -145.955551
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 failure to maintain the proper approach path, which resulted in a runway undershoot.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N91134
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18-8109074
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1969
Model / ICAO
PA-18-180PA18
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
GEN AERO INC
Address
PO BOX 16217
Status
Deregistered
City
SAN ANTONIO
State / Zip Code
TX 78246
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot said he was attempting to land a tailwheel-equipped airplane at an off-airport site, which was surrounded by higher terrain on all sides. Before beginning his approach, he determined the wind conditions, and then planned an approach into a 10-knot headwind. He said while on final approach to the site, he "side-slipped" the airplane to steepen the approach, and a sudden wind shift caused the airplane to descend faster than anticipated. He was unable to arrest the descent, and the airplane's main landing gear wheels collided with a mound about 150 feet short of the intended touchdown point. The airplane bounced as the pilot added engine power to cushion the landing, and as it touched down again, the main landing gear collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC11CA081