On December 24, 2013, a PIPER PA 20 150 was involved in an aviation accident near Platinum, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A tailwheel airplane sustained substantial right wing damage after drifting left during a crosswind landing and entering a ditch; the pilot reported no preaccident mechanical anomalies.
Accident Details
A pilot reported that while landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a dry, gravel airstrip, a correction was required for a 10-knot right crosswind. During touchdown, a gust of wind lifted the airplane three to four feet, causing it to drift left of the centerline. Upon the second touchdown, the airplane weather-vaned into the wind, and the pilot found that full left rudder application had no effect. The airplane continued across the runway and into a ditch, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
Causes
Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot
What happened in the 24 Dec 2013 PIPER PA 20 150 accident near Platinum, AK?
A tailwheel airplane sustained substantial right wing damage after drifting left during a crosswind landing and entering a ditch; the pilot reported no preaccident mechanical anomalies.
Were there any fatalities in the 24 Dec 2013 PIPER PA 20 150 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Dec 2013 involved a PIPER PA 20 150, at Platinum, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind landing.
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