N8170C

Substantial
None

Piper PA 18AS/N: 18-3626

Accident Details

Date
Monday, January 28, 2019
NTSB Number
GAA19CA132
Location
McGrath, AK
Event ID
20190207X71722
Coordinates
62.786109, -154.753616
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 landing, which resulted in the landing gear collapsing.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18-3626
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1954
Model / ICAO
PA 18AM600
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
PA-18A

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
GIBBENS BRETT S
Address
PO BOX 86
City
MC GRATH
State / Zip Code
AK 99627-0086
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot of the ski-equipped airplane reported that, while landing off-airport on a snow-covered field, he side loaded the landing gear on the left side against a large "tussock" hidden by the snow. The left landing gear folded under the airplane, causing the left wingtip to drop into the snow and impact a snow-covered tussock.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.

The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions 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# GAA19CA132