N3764Z

Substantial
None

PIPER PA 18S/N: 18-7527

Accident Details

Date
Friday, June 15, 2018
NTSB Number
GAA18CA367
Location
Wasilla, AK
Event ID
20180620X43047
Coordinates
61.616943, -149.321670
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 landing in gusting tailwind conditions. 

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18-7527
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1960
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
DELPH TIMOTHY M
Address
5661 E CHERRY CIR
City
WASILLA
State / Zip Code
AK 99654-4246
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that, during short final, the airplane encountered moderate turbulence, but he was able to maintain runway alignment and glide slope with constant power and flight control adjustments. During the landing roll, about 20 miles per hour, the tailwheel equipped airplane veered right. He applied full left aileron and rudder corrections, but the airplane continued to the right, exited the runway, impacted a garden post and came to rest upright in a row of trees.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.

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

The weather observation station located about 7 nautical miles from the accident site, about a minute after the accident, reported the wind was variable at 6 knots, gusting 15 knots. The pilot reported the wind was from 130º at 21 knots, gusting 30 knots. The airplane landed on runway 26.

The pilot added that, after landing, the wind sock was discovered to be damaged, not indicating wind direction properly, was replaced days after the accident.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA367