Casualties unknown

Pilot Loses Control During Landing in Gusty Crosswinds (N7669D)

Gakona, AK, US

On September 2, 1996, a Piper PA-18 (registration N7669D) was involved in an aviation accident near Gakona, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing due to gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in the airplane veering off the airstrip and colliding with trees and brush. 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 pilot flying a 'Tundra' tire-equipped aircraft lost directional control during landing roll on a turf airstrip due to gusty crosswind conditions, resulting in a collision with trees and brush.

What happened

The pilot was operating an airplane equipped with "Tundra" tires when attempting to land on a turf airstrip. The weather conditions at the time were characterized by gusty crosswinds, which presented significant handling challenges during the approach and touchdown phases.

During the landing roll, the aircraft experienced a sudden shift in wind direction. A specific gust of wind veered the airplane to the right. Despite the pilot's efforts to maintain directional control, the combination of the crosswind component and the surface conditions proved too difficult to manage. The aircraft departed the paved or turf surface and proceeded into adjacent vegetation.

The collision with trees and brush occurred immediately after the loss of directional control. The force of the impact was sufficient to bring the aircraft to a stop off the airstrip. No further details regarding the extent of damage or injuries were provided in the initial report.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing due to gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in the airplane veering off the airstrip and colliding with trees and brush.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06655. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.