Casualties unknown

Wing Drag During Landing After Ski Failure on Takeoff (N3264P)

Hastings, NY, US

On February 12, 1984, a Piper PA-18 (registration N3264P) was involved in an aviation accident near Hastings, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The front ski restraint cable bracket failed, allowing the ski to drop to a vertical nose-down position after takeoff. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft dragged a wing during landing after the left ski failed during takeoff. The ski tore off and the landing gear hub dug into sod and snow.

Incident Summary

During the landing roll, the aircraft dragged a wing after a ski had failed earlier during takeoff. The pilot reported that after takeoff, the left ski had turned over or dropped down in front. The aircraft landed on the runway, but the ski tore off, causing the landing gear hub to dig into the sod and snow.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that following takeoff, he noticed the left ski had turned over or dropped downward at the front. He subsequently landed the aircraft on the runway. Upon landing, the ski separated, and the landing gear hub dug into the sod and snow, resulting in the wing making contact with the ground.

Findings

Examination revealed that the front ski restraint cable bracket had failed. This failure allowed the ski to drop to a vertical nose-down position after takeoff, leading to the ski detachment and subsequent wing drag during landing.

Probable cause

The front ski restraint cable bracket failed, allowing the ski to drop to a vertical nose-down position after takeoff.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X38903. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.