N2880P

Substantial
None

PIPER PA 18S/N: 18-4477

Accident Details

Date
Monday, September 26, 2016
NTSB Number
GAA16CA516
Location
Kotzebue, AK
Event ID
20160928X15757
Coordinates
67.144721, -162.275283
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 an off-airport precautionary landing, which resulted in a nose-over.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18-4477
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1955
Model / ICAO
PA 18M600
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
PA-18-150

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
SAALSAA BRAD
Address
PO BOX 9382
City
KETCHIKAN
State / Zip Code
AK 99901-4382
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot of the tundra tire–equipped, tailwheel airplane reported that he made an off-airport precautionary landing due to icing conditions; the airplane encountered soft terrain during the landing roll and nosed over.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and empennage.

The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

A review of recorded data from the intended destination's automated weather observation station about 19 miles to the south west, revealed that, about 37 minutes before the accident the wind was 120 degrees true at 14 knots, visibility 1 statue mile, light snow, mist, temperature 34 degrees Fahrenheit, dewpoint 30 degrees Fahrenheit. And, about 23 minutes after the accident the wind was 110 degrees true at 13 knots, overcast 1700 feet, visibility 1 1/4 statue mile, light snow, mist, temperature 34 degrees Fahrenheit, dewpoint 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA16CA516