N8987Y

Substantial
None

Piper PA18S/N: 18-7409132

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
NTSB Number
ANC20CA056
Location
Nikiski, AK
Event ID
20200603X63830
Coordinates
60.935276, -151.966650
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a ground loop.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18-7409132
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1974
Model / ICAO
PA18PA18
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
PA-18-150

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
HANSON WILLIAM D
Address
439 DIANE LN
City
SOLDOTNA
State / Zip Code
AK 99669-7363
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot was landing the tailwheel and tundra tire-equipped airplane on a remote unimproved airstrip. While on final approach and just before touchdown, a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the left. The left wing contacted alder brush and the airplane veered to the left and ground looped sustaining substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operations.

In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot stated that the accident may have been prevented if he had waited for a day without gusting wind conditions.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC20CA056