N323DH

Substantial
None

PIPER PA 18-150S/N: 18-7939

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
NTSB Number
ANC15CA054
Location
Talkeetna, AK
Event ID
20150723X82826
Coordinates
62.450210, -149.789566
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 inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and improper recovery from a bounced landing resulting in a loss of control and collision with terrain.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18-7939
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1963
Model / ICAO
PA 18-150M600
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
PA-18-150

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
KLEINSMITH STACEE F
Address
PO BOX 770693
City
EAGLE RIVER
State / Zip Code
AK 99577-0693
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported he was landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a rough and uneven, vegetation covered, off-airport site. The pilot said that during the approach, just prior to touchdown the airplane encountered a wind shift and increase in wind speed, resulting in a strong downdraft. The pilot applied full power in an effort to correct for the downdraft, but the airplane touched down much harder than anticipated and bounced, rotating 90 degrees before impacting a berm and nosing down. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC15CA054