On 24 Sep 2014, a PIPER PA 12 NO SERIES operated by Matthew Thoft was involved in an aviation accident near Holy Cross, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff/landing and failure to maintain control of the aircraft. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A tailwheel-equipped airplane sustained substantial damage after a gust of wind turned it downhill on a 15-degree slope, causing it to roll and nose over.
Incident Details
A pilot was landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a remote off-airport site. The pilot reported that the landing area was on a 15-degree slope. The landing itself was uneventful. However, shortly after the airplane came to a stop, a gust of wind caused the airplane to turn so that its nose was pointing down the hill. The airplane then began rolling down the slope and subsequently nosed over.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer, rudder, and wing as a result of the nose-over.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
Causes
PilotPerformance/control parameters — Not attained/maintainedDecision related to condition