No fatalities

14 Mar 2017: PIPER PA 12 NO SERIES — Anchorage, AK

Anchorage, AK, United States

On 14 Mar 2017, a PIPER PA 12 NO SERIES was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the taxi on skis on hard-packed snow in gusting wind conditions. 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

During taxi on hard packed snow after landing, a gust of wind pushed a wheel-ski equipped airplane into a parked unoccupied airplane, causing substantial damage to the left wing and lift strut.

Incident Overview

A pilot of a wheel-ski equipped airplane reported that after landing on skis, the aircraft was taxiing on hard packed snow when a gust of wind caused it to veer. The left wing subsequently struck a parked, unoccupied airplane, resulting in substantial damage.

Damage Assessment

The accident airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and left wing lift strut. The parked airplane was unoccupied and no further details about its condition were provided.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Weather Conditions

Data from the automated weather observation station at the airport, recorded approximately 13 minutes after the accident, indicated the wind was from 360° at 12 knots, gusting to 20 knots.

Conclusion

The pilot reported that a gust of wind pushed the airplane into the parked aircraft during taxi. No other factors or causes were identified in the report.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintainedIncorrect use/operation

Other contributing factors

Effect on operationContributed to outcome