1996-05-17: Piper PA-18 — Cold Bay, AK

Casualties unknown • Cold Bay, AK, US

Probable cause

the pilot's excessive taxi speed. Factors associated with the accident were: the pilot's improper preflight inspection of the airplane, and the entanglement of the left main landing gear brake and axle with wire.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported he was taxiing his airplane fairly fast with the tailwheel raised. He said he lost control of the airplane and ground looped. Postaccident inspection disclosed a piece of World War Two-vintage communication wire wrapped around the left main landing gear axle and brake assembly. The pilot said he was unsure if the wire was picked up during the taxi just prior to takeoff, or at an earlier time. He indicated in his written statement that he now performs a closer inspection of his airplane prior to each flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-05-17 Piper PA-18 accident near Cold Bay, AK?

The pilot reported he was taxiing his airplane fairly fast with the tailwheel raised. He said he lost control of the airplane and ground looped. Postaccident inspection disclosed a piece of World War Two-vintage communication wire wrapped around the left main landing gear axle and brake assembly. The pilot said he…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-05-17 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N4319Z, at Cold Bay, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's excessive taxi speed. Factors associated with the accident were: the pilot's improper preflight inspection of the airplane, and the entanglement of the left main landing gear brake and axle with wire.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05689. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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