Casualties unknown

Tailwheel Airplane Ground Loops After Wind Gust During Takeoff From Remote Sandy Area (N57617)

Cantwell, AK, US

On July 3, 1996, a Piper PA-18 (registration N57617) was involved in an aviation accident near Cantwell, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind conditions. A factor in the accident was the crosswind. 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

A tailwheel airplane departing a remote sandy area at 1,940 ft elevation with 70°F temperature encountered a gust of wind pushing it into alder trees, followed by a ground loop that damaged the left wing spar and aileron.

Incident Details

A pilot and a passenger were departing a remote, sandy area in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. The pilot had previously used this location many times. The takeoff area was at an elevation of approximately 1,940 feet above mean sea level, and the temperature was about 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Wind conditions were variable, with gusts up to 25 knots coming from the left side of the takeoff area.

Sequence of Events

During the takeoff roll, a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the right into several alder trees. The airplane then ground looped. The event resulted in damage to the left wing spar and left aileron.

Damage

The airplane sustained damage to the left wing spar and left aileron. No other damage or injuries are reported in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06134. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.