On August 18, 1983, a Piper J-5 (registration N28144) was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout, which resulted in a ground loop and collision with parked aircraft. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot lost directional control during landing at Fairbanks, causing the aircraft to leave the runway and strike two parked planes. The incident resulted in minor damage to all involved aircraft.
What happened
The aircraft touched down on Runway 24 at Fairbanks. During the rollout phase of the landing, the pilot was unable to maintain directional control. The aircraft veered off the paved surface and entered the ramp area. It subsequently collided with two parked, unoccupied aircraft, N7830 and N68564. All three aircraft sustained minor damage from the impact.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the immediate circumstances of the ground loop and the subsequent collision. Investigators examined the point of departure from the runway and the condition of the parked aircraft. No mechanical failures were identified as contributing factors to the loss of control during the landing roll.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout, which resulted in a ground loop and collision with parked aircraft.