Summary
On January 28, 2019, a Piper PA 18A (N8170C) was involved in an incident near Mcgrath, 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 selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in the landing gear collapsing.
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.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA19CA132. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N8170C.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in the landing gear collapsing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
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