The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane which resulted in a collision with terrain during an approach to landing on a ridgeline. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot's inadequate evaluation of the wind conditions, and an unfavorable wind along the ridgeline.
— NTSB Determination
The private certificated pilot was making a landing approach to a ridgeline that was oriented east/west, and was about 1,000 feet long and 30 to 100 feet wide. The pilot said he was landing toward the east. He described the wind as 10 to 15 knots from the southeast. As he approached the ground, the pilot said a burble of wind over the ridge lifted the right wing. The airplane collided with the ridge, and then nosed over. The airplane received damage to the wings, fuselage, and landing gear.
The private certificated pilot was making a landing approach to a ridgeline that was oriented east/west, and was about 1,000 feet long and 30 to 100 feet wide. The pilot said he was landing toward the east. He described the wind as 10 to 15 knots from the southeast. As he approached the ground, the pilot said a…
The accident on 2003-09-17 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N6978B, at Ninilchick, AK.
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane which resulted in a collision with terrain during an approach to landing on a ridgeline. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot's inadequate evaluation of the wind conditions, and an unfavorable wind along the ridgeline.
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