No fatalities

6 Sep 2017: PIPER PA 12 NO SERIES — Kotzebue, AK

Kotzebue, AK, United States

On 6 Sep 2017, a PIPER PA 12 NO SERIES was involved in an aviation accident near Kotzebue, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing on an unimproved airstrip 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

While taxiing uphill on a gravel strip, a gust lifted the tailwheel airplane airborne. The pilot lost control, resulting in a ground loop and collapse of the right main landing gear, causing substantial damage.

Accident Description

A pilot reported that while landing uphill on an unimproved gravel airstrip, the tailwheel-equipped airplane touched down "smooth." As the pilot taxied toward the crest of the hill, a gust of wind forced the airplane to become airborne. The airplane then drifted to the left, and the pilot attempted to correct with full right aileron and maximum power. Despite these inputs, the airplane continued to bank left until "the wind forced the tail in a counter clockwise motion." This motion resulted in the airplane landing on the right main landing gear, which subsequently collapsed. The right wing and right horizontal stabilizer then struck the ground.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift strut and the right horizontal stabilizer and elevator.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot also reported the weather at the time of the accident: wind from 360° at 20 knots, gusting to 25 knots. The landing had been made on approximately a 360° heading.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operationEffect on equipment