Casualties unknown

2002-05-21: Piper PA-12 (N2514M) — Soldotna, AK

Soldotna, AK, US

On May 21, 2002, a Piper PA-12 (registration N2514M) was involved in an aviation accident near Soldotna, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for a crosswind during the landing roll. A factor was the presence of a 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a crosswind landing on runway 07, the right main landing gear of a private airplane collapsed, causing the right wing and elevator to strike the ground. The pilot reported a 12-knot north wind with the windsock perpendicular to the runway.

Incident Overview

A private certificated pilot was conducting a landing on runway 07 with a left crosswind. According to the pilot, the windsock indicated a wind direction perpendicular to the runway, standing straight out. During the landing roll, the right main landing gear collapsed, resulting in the right wing and right elevator contacting the runway surface.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that the wind conditions were from the north at approximately 12 knots. The windsock was observed to be fully extended at a 90-degree angle to the runway, indicating strong crosswind conditions.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane sustained damage to the right wing and the right main landing gear. No other damage was reported.

Possible Contributing Factors

The investigation did not identify a probable cause for the landing gear collapse. The pilot's account and the observed wind conditions suggest a crosswind component may have been a factor, but no definitive cause was established.

Safety Information

No further details were provided regarding the aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, location, occupants, injuries, or time of day. The incident highlights the challenges of crosswind landings, though no specific recommendations or lessons were offered.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020529X00760. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.