On April 27, 1996, a Piper PA-18 (registration N2598P) was involved in an aviation accident near Kotzebue, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain directional control and prevent a hard landing due to a gust of wind, which resulted in the failure of the left ski and subsequent damage to the airframe. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot encountered a gust of wind just before touchdown, causing a hard landing on the left ski which broke off, leading to significant structural damage.
What happened
The pilot reported encountering a sudden gust of wind from the right side immediately prior to touchdown. The aircraft landed heavily on the left ski, resulting in the detachment of that component. Following the failure, the left wing contacted the snow surface, causing the airplane to veer to the left. As the aircraft continued its uncontrolled path, the right ski dug into the snow, and the right wing also dragged across the ground. This sequence of events caused extensive damage to the wings, wing struts, and fuselage.
The investigation
The primary mechanical failure identified was the breakage of the left ski upon impact with the ground during a hard landing. Subsequent structural failures were secondary consequences of the aircraft's uncontrolled ground contact.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain directional control and prevent a hard landing due to a gust of wind, which resulted in the failure of the left ski and subsequent damage to the airframe.
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