No fatalities

Tundra Tire and Tail-Wheel Airplane Excursion During Landing Due to Gust (N6443M)

Soldotna, AK, US

On March 30, 1996, a Stinson 108-3 (registration N6443M) was involved in an aviation accident near Soldotna, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. The gusty/crosswind condition was a related factor. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A tundra tire and tail-wheel equipped airplane veered off the runway after encountering a gust of wind from the right during landing. The left wing tip, fuselage, and left main gear attach point were damaged.

Incident Overview

A pilot flying a tundra tire and tail-wheel equipped airplane landed in a westerly direction and was slowing down to begin taxiing to a parking area. At approximately that time, the airplane encountered a gust of wind from the right, causing it to go off the right side of the runway.

Damage Assessment

The airplane sustained damage to the left wing tip, fuselage, and the left main gear attach point. The extent of damage was limited to the areas specified, with no other parts of the aircraft reported as damaged in the source.

Wind Conditions

The pilot estimated the wind was from the north at 16 knots, gusting to 22 knots. The gust, which came from the right relative to the airplane's direction of travel, was a key factor in the loss of directional control during the landing rollout.

Post-Incident Actions

The source does not specify any further actions taken by the pilot or any emergency response. The incident concluded with the airplane off the right side of the runway and the identified damage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Mar 1996 Stinson 108-3 accident near Soldotna, AK?

A tundra tire and tail-wheel equipped airplane veered off the runway after encountering a gust of wind from the right during landing. The left wing tip, fuselage, and left main gear attach point were damaged.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Mar 1996 Stinson 108-3 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Mar 1996 involved a Stinson 108-3, registration N6443M, at Soldotna, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. The gusty/crosswind condition was a related factor.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05350. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.