On September 3, 2004, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N82353) operated by Eric A. Swenson was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to compensate for a crosswind during the landing roll, and his failure to maintain directional control which resulted in a loss of control, an encounter with a ditch, and the airplane nosing over. A factor in the accident was a crosswind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot reported losing directional control during the landing roll of a tailwheel airplane on a gravel airstrip with a crosswind from the left, causing the aircraft to exit the runway, encounter a ditch, and nose over.
Event Description
A private pilot was landing a tailwheel airplane equipped with tundra tires on a gravel airstrip. The pilot reported a crosswind from the left during the approach. After touchdown, during the landing roll, the pilot was unable to maintain directional control. The airplane departed the runway to the right, where it encountered a shallow ditch and nosed over.
Aircraft Damage
The accident resulted in structural damage to the rudder and the wing lift struts. The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.
Weather Conditions
A Special Weather Observation taken at the airport immediately after the accident indicated the wind was from 290 degrees True (266 magnetic) at 15 knots.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 3 Sept 2004 Piper PA-18-150 accident near Anchorage, AK?
A private pilot reported losing directional control during the landing roll of a tailwheel airplane on a gravel airstrip with a crosswind from the left, causing the aircraft to exit the runway, encounter a ditch, and nose over.
Were there any fatalities in the 3 Sept 2004 Piper PA-18-150 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Sept 2004 involved a Piper PA-18-150, registration N82353, operated by Eric A. Swenson, at Anchorage, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to compensate for a crosswind during the landing roll, and his failure to maintain directional control which resulted in a loss of control, an encounter with a ditch, and the airplane nosing over. A factor in the accident was a crosswind.
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