No fatalities

7 Nov 2016: PIPER PA18 A150 — Mouth of The Big Susitna River, AK

Mouth of The Big Susitna River, AK, United States

On 7 Nov 2016, a PIPER PA18 A150 was involved in an aviation accident near Mouth of The Big Susitna River, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s decision to take off with a gusting quartering tailwind and his subsequent loss of airplane control. 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 tailwheel airplane struck a driftwood tree after encountering quartering tailwind gusts during takeoff from a tidal flat. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical failures. The main landing gear collapsed after touchdown, and the airplane slid to a stop backwards.

Accident Details

According to the pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane, the accident occurred during takeoff from a tidal flat. The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, a strong quartering tailwind gust "hit the tail," and he corrected with rudder input. As the airplane became airborne, another strong quartering tailwind gust pushed the airplane into a driftwood tree lying on the tidal flat. The airplane struck the tree, bounced off, and then descended toward a water channel.

Sequence of Events

The pilot stated that he "did not know exactly what happened" after the strike. The airplane touched down on the other side of the water channel, at which point the main landing gear collapsed. Subsequently, the left wingtip contacted the ground, and the airplane slid to a stop backwards.

Mechanical Condition

The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Additional Information

No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, location, date, time of day, weather conditions, or occupant injuries were provided in the source.

Contributing factors

Causes

Performance/control parameters — Not attained/maintainedPilotEffect on operation

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome