What happened
On May 13, 2013, a Piper PA-18A, registration N2496P, was attempting to land at an off-airport beach landing site near Nikiski, Alaska. The aircraft, which is tailwheel-equipped, was in the landing flare when a gust of wind pushed the plane to the left. This movement caused the left wing to make contact with the sloping beach, triggering a ground loop. The accident resulted in no injuries to the pilot, but both wings of the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the aircraft prior to the accident. Weather conditions at the time were reported as VMC with visibility of 60 statute miles.