No fatalities

26 May 2014: PIPER PA 18-105 SPECIAL — Anchorage, AK

Anchorage, AK, United States

On 26 May 2014, a PIPER PA 18-105 SPECIAL was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of control of the airplane during landing roll on a rough, grass airstrip in gusting wind. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot performed a go-around after a turbulent first approach, then landed on a second approach. During the landing roll, the airplane struck two parked airplanes after the right wing lifted.

Accident Details

A pilot reported that during a landing approach to runway 13, the windsock indicated wind from 130 degrees at 15 to 20 knots. The pilot entered a left traffic pattern for the runway. On the first approach, described as turbulent with strong thermal activity on one-quarter mile final and wind gusts during landing, the pilot briefly touched down and decided to go around.

The pilot stated that the second approach was more comfortable, and the airplane touched down within the first 100 feet of the runway. He noted that he flew a faster-than-normal final segment and touchdown due to the wind and turbulence, intending to perform a wheel landing, which he described as his normal procedure for that airstrip in such conditions.

Landing and Collision

During the landing, the tires bounced up about 6 to 8 inches on frost heaves on the airstrip. The pilot stated that such bounces were normal for that airstrip. Subsequently, the right wing lifted to what felt like about 2 feet. The pilot applied aileron and rudder corrections and applied the brakes during the landing roll. However, the airplane moved to the left of the airstrip centerline and collided with two parked airplanes.

Pilot Comments and Experience

The pilot noted that he has flown into the airstrip for 21 years in all conditions and did not feel uncomfortable with the landing conditions. He reported no mechanical malfunction of the airplane. He said that he had recent experience in the airplane but noted that it may differ somewhat from his own airplane in how it reacts to flight control inputs.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcomeEffect on operation