Casualties unknown

Ground Loop and Landing Gear Failure During Landing at Remote Hunting Lodge (N7786D)

Sleetmute, AK, US

On August 29, 1995, a Piper PA-18 (registration N7786D) operated by Crescent Lake Lodge was involved in an aviation accident near Sleetmute, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The right main landing gear strut failed during the landing. 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 landing at a remote hunting lodge with a 7-knot crosswind from the south, the airplane ground looped left, veered off the airstrip, and the right main landing gear collapsed after the gear strut failed.

Accident Details

The pilot and a passenger were landing at a remote hunting lodge. The pilot landed to the west with a 7-knot crosswind from the south.

Landing and Ground Loop

During the landing roll, the airplane ground looped to the left and veered off the left side of the airstrip, across a berm.

Gear Failure

As a result of the ground loop and veer, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing contacted the ground. The right gear strut failed during the landing.

Post-Accident Inspection

The pilot expressed concern that the gear strut may have failed due to internal corrosion. However, an inspection did not reveal any evidence of corrosion.

Probable cause

The right main landing gear strut failed during the landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04144. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.