N3654M

Substantial
None

PIPER PA 12S/N: 12-2526

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
NTSB Number
GAA17CA188
Location
Anchorage, AK
Event ID
20170314X80958
Coordinates
61.212776, -149.845001
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 directional control during the taxi on skis on hard-packed snow in gusting wind conditions.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
12-2526
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1947
Model / ICAO
PA 12M600
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
3
FAA Model
PA-12

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
LUNOE FINN
Address
8440 ELMORE RD
City
ANCHORAGE
State / Zip Code
AK 99507-3628
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot of the wheel-ski equipped airplane reported that after landing on skis, during the taxi on hard packed snow, a gust of wind pushed the airplane and the left wing impacted a parked, unoccupied airplane.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and left wing lift strut.

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

A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that about 13 minutes after the accident the wind was 360° at 12 knots, gusting 20 knots.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA17CA188