On 16 Jun 2012, a PIPER PA-18 was involved in an aviation accident near Willow, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to land on an unsuitable surface while facing bright sunlight, which led to a loss of control. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot lost control of a tailwheel aircraft during an off-airport landing on uneven terrain.
What happened
On June 16, 2012, a Piper PA-18 aircraft, registration N1203A, was involved in an accident during an off-airport landing near Willow, Alaska. The pilot was attempting to land the tailwheel-equipped airplane on a rough and uneven site. The landing occurred during VMC conditions with visibility of 50 statute miles and bright sunlight. Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced, leading to a loss of control and subsequent impact with the terrain. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the wings, and the pilot was not injured.
The investigation
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane prior to the accident.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to land on an unsuitable surface while facing bright sunlight, which led to a loss of control.