Aircraft Inverts in Tidal Slough During Aborted Landing

Casualties unknown • Seldovia, AK, US

A pilot attempting to abort a landing on a gravel runway lost directional control after wind gusts caused the aircraft to veer into a tidal slough.

What happened

A commercial certificated pilot was performing a landing on a gravel runway in a tundra tire equipped airplane. During the landing roll, just before the tailwheel made contact with the runway, a wind gust pushed the tail of the aircraft to the right. A subsequent gust pushed the tail to the left.

Unable to maintain directional control, the pilot applied engine power in an attempt to abort the landing. This maneuver caused the airplane to veer to the left, resulting in the left main wheel contacting the surface of a tidal slough. The right wing then struck the water, causing the aircraft to invert in approximately five feet of water. Both occupants were not injured and successfully exited the aircraft from underwater. The aircraft sustained damage to both wings and the propeller.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to abort the landing by adding engine power after experiencing wind gusts led to a loss of directional control and the subsequent excursion into a tidal slough.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-04-29 Piper PA-18 accident near Seldovia, AK?

A pilot attempting to abort a landing on a gravel runway lost directional control after wind gusts caused the aircraft to veer into a tidal slough.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-04-29 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N4418Z, at Seldovia, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to abort the landing by adding engine power after experiencing wind gusts led to a loss of directional control and the subsequent excursion into a tidal slough.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20756. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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