Casualties unknown

Student Pilot's Three-Point Landing Leads to Gear Collapse (N1888A)

Fairbanks, AK, US

On June 13, 2002, a Piper PA-18 (registration N1888A) operated by Uriah Strong was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll, which resulted in the right wing striking the ground. 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 student pilot with 46 total hours experienced a landing incident on a paved runway when the airplane veered left and the right landing gear strut buckled after a three-point landing.

Accident Details

A solo student pilot was landing a tundra tire-equipped airplane on paved runway 19L. The student's flight instructor was observing the flight from the ground. The student executed a three-point landing. During the landing roll, the airplane veered to the left as the right wing and right wheel lifted off the ground. In response, the student applied right aileron, causing the airplane to slam down onto the right wheel.

Damage

The right wheel landing gear strut buckled, and the right wing struck the ground. The right wing was bent upward at the attachment point of the right wing lift strut.

Pilot Experience

The student pilot had accumulated 46 total flight hours at the time of the accident.

Wind Conditions

The wind at the airport was reported as 120 degrees true at 4 knots.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020614X00890. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.