Casualties unknown

Tailwind Gust During Landing on Gravel Strip Leads to Tree Collision (N1755P)

Fairbanks, AK, US

On September 12, 2005, a Piper PA-18 (registration N1755P) operated by Kenneth A. Thomas was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the landing roll, which resulted in a collision with a tree. A factor contributing to the accident was a tailwind. 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 pilot landed on a 700-foot gravel strip when a gust of tailwind lifted the tail, causing the aircraft to veer right and strike a tree with the right wing, damaging the wing and lift strut.

Accident Summary

An airline transport certificated pilot was landing on a gravel surface area oriented east/west, approximately 700 feet long and 30 feet wide. The pilot stated that he landed uphill toward the west. About 20 feet after touchdown, a gust of wind lifted the tail of the airplane. The nose of the airplane veered to the right, and the right wing collided with a tree.

Sequence of Events

The pilot reported that until the unexpected tailwind gust, the wind had been calm. The landing was conducted on the gravel strip, which the pilot described as oriented east/west. After touching down uphill to the west, the tail was lifted by a gust, causing the nose to veer right. This resulted in the right wing making contact with a tree adjacent to the landing area.

Damage

The airplane sustained damage to the right wing and the right wing lift strut. No other damage was reported, and the source does not specify any injuries or fatalities.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20051006X01590. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.