On April 15, 2012, a PIPER PA-22-150 was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s loss of directional control during landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision not to initiate a go-around. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A tailwheel airplane ground looped on landing after a gust of wind lifted the right wing, causing the left main gear to contact the runway and the aircraft to turn left. The right wing sustained substantial damage.
Accident Overview
A tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced a ground loop during landing on a hard surfaced runway. The pilot reported that as the airplane descended to about 6 inches above the runway, a gust of wind lifted the right wing. This caused the left main landing gear to contact the runway, and the airplane began to turn to the left. The pilot was unable to correct the turn using rudder input, and the airplane ground looped to the left, striking the right wing on the ground.
Damage and Mechanical Status
The right wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Pilot Comments
The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented had a go-around decision been made at the initial recognition of the wind gust.
Contributing factors
PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained
What happened in the 15 Apr 2012 PIPER PA-22-150 accident near Fairbanks, AK?
A tailwheel airplane ground looped on landing after a gust of wind lifted the right wing, causing the left main gear to contact the runway and the aircraft to turn left. The right wing sustained substantial damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 15 Apr 2012 PIPER PA-22-150 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Apr 2012 involved a PIPER PA-22-150, at Fairbanks, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot’s loss of directional control during landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision not to initiate a go-around.
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