Summary
On July 13, 2017, a Piper PA 18 (N8560C) was involved in an incident near Denali, AK. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing on a narrow, unimproved airstrip in gusting wind conditions.
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while landing on the narrow unimproved airstrip in gusty wind conditions, the airplane drifted right of center, and he was unable to recover. Subsequently, the right wing impacted trees off the right side of the unimproved airstrip.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
An automated weather observation system about 26 nautical miles from the accident site reported, about the time of the accident, the wind from 010° at 9 knots, gusting to 15 knots.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA17CA408. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N8560C.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing on a narrow, unimproved airstrip in gusting wind conditions.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while landing on the narrow unimproved airstrip in gusty wind conditions, the airplane drifted right of center, and he was unable to recover. Subsequently, the right wing impacted trees off the right side of the unimproved airstrip.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
An automated weather observation system about 26 nautical miles from the accident site reported, about the time of the accident, the wind from 010° at 9 knots, gusting to 15 knots.
The pilot reported weather conditions as, good other than gusting wind when entering and in the river valley.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA17CA408