Casualties unknown

Tundra Tire-Equipped Airplane Ground Loops on Snow-Covered Remote Airstrip (N5057Y)

Chickaloon, AK, US

On October 17, 2004, a Piper PA-18 (registration N5057Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Chickaloon, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane, which resulted in a collision with terrrain during the landing roll. 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 private pilot ground looped a tailwheel airplane with tundra tires during landing on a snow-covered remote airstrip, causing the right main gear to collapse and damage to both wingtips and propeller.

Accident Description

A private certificated pilot was landing a tundra tire and tailwheel-equipped airplane on a remote, snow-covered airstrip. The airstrip was oriented north/south and measured approximately 1,200 feet in length and 50 feet in width. According to the pilot, the surface of the airstrip was covered by about six inches of snow.

Landing Sequence

During the landing roll, the left main landing gear tire dropped into a snow-filled rut. This caused the airplane to ground loop to the left and depart the left side of the airstrip into an area of brush. The ground loop resulted in the collapse of the right main landing gear. The airplane sustained damage to the right wingtip, the left wingtip, and the propeller.

Aircraft Configuration

The airplane was equipped with tundra tires and a tailwheel, which are typically used for operations on soft or uneven surfaces. The airstrip was remote and snow-covered at the time of the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20041021X01669. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.