Summary
On August 15, 2018, a Piper PA18 (N4165Z) was involved in an incident near Tyonek, 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 during landing in gusting wind conditions.
The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that prior to landing on the narrow, gravel surface airstrip, the airplane encountered a gust of wind from the right that "pushed me to the left a few feet." The airplane's left wing contacted the brush on the left side of the airstrip and the airplane exited the left side of the runway. The airplane descended a 2-foot ditch and stopped. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing spar.
The pilot reported that the wind condition was variable and gusting to 8 knots. Additionally, he reported that the skies were clear, and that the visibility exceeded 10 miles.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA18CA520. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N4165Z.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting wind conditions.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that prior to landing on the narrow, gravel surface airstrip, the airplane encountered a gust of wind from the right that "pushed me to the left a few feet." The airplane's left wing contacted the brush on the left side of the airstrip and the airplane exited the left side of the runway. The airplane descended a 2-foot ditch and stopped. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing spar.
The pilot reported that the wind condition was variable and gusting to 8 knots. Additionally, he reported that the skies were clear, and that the visibility exceeded 10 miles.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures 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# GAA18CA520