On 8 Sep 2013, a PIPER PA 18-150 A150 was involved in an aviation accident near Talkeetna, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's delayed decision to go-around, which resulted in a collision with water. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot attempted a go-around after feeling a wind shift on final approach. A downdraft forced the tailwheel airplane to the ground; the pilot steered toward a lake but impacted water, damaging the left wing, left aileron, and empennage.
Accident Details
A pilot was landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane at an off-airport site. During the final approach, she felt the wind shift and elected to go around. While attempting the go-around, a downdraft pushed the airplane to the ground. The pilot then steered the airplane down a tundra-covered slope toward an alpine lake in an effort to become airborne again.
Impact and Damage
The airplane subsequently impacted the water, sustaining substantial damage to the left wing, left aileron, and empennage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Pilot Statement
In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot stated that the accident may have been prevented if she had made the decision to go around earlier.