Casualties unknown

1997-04-01: Piper PA-18 (N4500W) — National Park Service — Noatak, AK

Noatak, AK, US

On April 1, 1997, a Piper PA-18 (registration N4500W) operated by National Park Service was involved in an aviation accident near Noatak, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane, which resulted in an inadvertent ground loop and damage to the airplane. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A National Park Service pilot lost directional control during landing in a Piper PA-18, resulting in a ground loop and substantial damage. The pilot had approximately five hours of total experience in the aircraft and had not flown during a three-month furlough.

Incident Summary

A Piper PA-18 airplane operated by the National Park Service was substantially damaged when it ground looped during a landing roll. The pilot, a National Park Service employee, was conducting the flight to regain proficiency after a three-month furlough from the park service. According to the pilot, the accident occurred during the fourth landing of the flight. He reported losing directional control of the airplane during the landing roll, causing it to ground loop to the left. The airframe sustained substantial damage as a result.

Pilot Background

The pilot stated that he did not fly at all during his furlough. His total flight experience in the Piper PA-18 airplane was approximately five hours at the time of the accident. He was returning to his position as a Park Ranger/Pilot.

Aircraft Damage

The accident resulted in substantial damage to the airframe of the Piper PA-18. No further details about the specific damage were provided.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07658. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.