Casualties unknown

Piper PA-18 Inverts During Go-Around After Wind Gust on Tundra Landing (N3384Z)

Lime Village, AK, US

On September 10, 1992, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N3384Z) operated by Robert D. Jones Jr. was involved in an aviation accident near Lime Village, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT IN COMMAND NOT MAINTAINING CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE WIND GUSTS. 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

During a tundra landing in a Piper PA-18, a wind gust prompted a go-around, but the left wing struck the ground, leading to the aircraft nosing over onto its back.

Incident Overview

A Piper PA-18 aircraft, performing a landing on a ridge top tundra, experienced a gust of wind from the left side. The pilot applied aileron correction and added full power to execute a go-around. However, the left wing made contact with the ground, followed shortly by the propeller and the nose of the airplane. The aircraft subsequently overturned onto its back.

Flight Details

The purpose of the flight was to transport a hunting guide and equipment to a new location. The pilot reported that while landing on what he described as 'ridge top tundra,' a gust of wind impacted the left side of the airplane. In response, the pilot initiated an aileron correction and advanced the throttle to full power for a go-around.

Sequence of Events

During the go-around attempt, the left wing dragged the ground. Shortly thereafter, the propeller and the nose struck the ground, causing the airplane to pitch over onto its back. The pilot provided this account of the event.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15562. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.