On April 24, 2007, a Piper PA-22 (registration N3579A) was involved in an aviation accident near Soldotna, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to compensate for a crosswind during the landing roll, which resulted in a loss of control, an encounter with a muddy berm, and a nose 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 practicing touch-and-go landings in a tailwheel airplane veered right during touchdown, applied takeoff power, then reduced power, causing the airplane to exit the runway and nose over after hitting a muddy berm.
Accident Description
A private certificated pilot was conducting touch-and-go landings in a tailwheel-equipped airplane during a personal flight under 14 CFR Part 91. The landing required a correction for a left crosswind. During touchdown, the pilot inadvertently allowed the airplane to veer to the right. In an attempt to abort the landing, the pilot applied takeoff power. After applying power, the veer worsened, prompting the pilot to reduce power in an attempt to stop the airplane. The airplane subsequently departed the right side of the runway, encountered a muddy berm, and nosed over.
Damage
The airplane sustained structural damage to the wing lift struts and empennage. The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a private pilot certificate. The flight was conducted under Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 for personal purposes.