N234T

Substantial
None

PIPER PA 18-105 SPECIALS/N: 18-2348

Accident Details

Date
Monday, May 26, 2014
NTSB Number
ANC14CA029
Location
Anchorage, AK
Event ID
20140526X72452
Coordinates
61.109024, -149.899398
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's loss of control of the airplane during landing roll on a rough, grass airstrip in gusting wind.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18-2348
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1953
Model / ICAO
PA 18-105 SPECIALM600
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
PA-18-105 SPECIAL

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
DELIA PATRICK S
Address
5515 E FIREWEED RD # 1
City
PALMER
State / Zip Code
AK 99645-8456
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that the windsock indicated wind from 130 degrees at 15 to 20 knots and that he entered a left pattern for runway 13. The pilot decided to go around after briefly touching down during the first approach, which he described as "turbulent with strong thermal activity on 1/4 mile final" with wind gusts during landing. He stated that the second approach was more comfortable, and the airplane touched down within the first 100 feet. The pilot stated that he flew a faster than normal final segment and touchdown due to the wind and turbulence with the intentions of performing a wheel landing, which he described as his normal procedure for the airstrip in such conditions. He stated that, during the landing, the tires bounced up about 6 to 8 inches on the frost heaves (which he also described as normal for the airstrip), and then the right wing lifted to what felt like about 2 feet. The pilot applied aileron and rudder corrections and applied the brakes during the landing roll, but the airplane moved the left of the airstrip centerline and collided with two parked airplanes. The pilot noted that he has flown into the airstrip for 21 years in all conditions and did not feel uncomfortable with the landing conditions. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction of the airplane. He said that he had recent experience in the airplane but noted that it may differ some from his own airplane in how it reacts to flight control inputs.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC14CA029