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Tailwheel Airplane Swerves, Deflates Tire, and Noses Down on Gravel Runway (N2475M)

Teller, AK, US

On June 9, 2003, a Piper PA-12 (registration N2475M) was involved in an aviation accident near Teller, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for a crosswind and his failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, resulting in a loss of control and nose down of the airplane. A factor in the accident was 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During landing on a gravel runway with a left crosswind, a tailwheel-equipped airplane swerved left, the pilot attempted to abort, but the right main tire deflated, causing the airplane to nose down and sustain substantial damage.

Accident Details

A pilot was landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a gravel runway. The wind conditions included a prevailing left crosswind. During the landing roll, the airplane swerved to the left.

Pilot Actions

The pilot attempted to regain directional control and abort the landing by applying right brake, right rudder, and engine power. Despite these efforts, the pilot was unable to abort the landing.

Damage and Outcome

During the event, the right main landing gear tire deflated. Subsequently, the airplane nosed down. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, left aileron, and horizontal stabilizer.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Jun 2003 Piper PA-12 accident near Teller, AK?

During landing on a gravel runway with a left crosswind, a tailwheel-equipped airplane swerved left, the pilot attempted to abort, but the right main tire deflated, causing the airplane to nose down and sustain substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Jun 2003 Piper PA-12 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Jun 2003 involved a Piper PA-12, registration N2475M, at Teller, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for a crosswind and his failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, resulting in a loss of control and nose down of the airplane. A factor in the accident was a crosswind.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030610X00841. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.