1997-07-02: Piper PA-18 — Alaska State Troopers — Nenana, AK

Casualties unknown • Nenana, AK, US

Probable cause

failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane, which resulted in an inadvertent ground loop and a collapsed main landing gear. His lack of experience in tailwheel airplanes was a related factor.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot was landing a tundra tire and tailwheel equipped airplane on an asphalt surfaced runway for the purpose of practicing touch-and-go landings. During the landing roll, the airplane ground looped to the right. The left main gear collapsed, and the left wing struck the ground. The pilot indicated he had accrued 172.4 hours of total pilot experience with about 18 hours in tailwheel airplanes. The airplane received damage to the left wing, left landing gear, left elevator, and the fuselage, forward of the tail wheel. Also, the pilot reported calm wind conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-07-02 Piper PA-18 accident near Nenana, AK?

The pilot was landing a tundra tire and tailwheel equipped airplane on an asphalt surfaced runway for the purpose of practicing touch-and-go landings. During the landing roll, the airplane ground looped to the right. The left main gear collapsed, and the left wing struck the ground. The pilot indicated he had accrued…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-07-02 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N5582C, operated by Alaska State Troopers, at Nenana, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane, which resulted in an inadvertent ground loop and a collapsed main landing gear. His lack of experience in tailwheel airplanes was a related factor.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08287. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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