No fatalities

27 May 2018: PIPER PA18 150 — Kenai, AK

Kenai, AK, United States

On 27 May 2018, a PIPER PA18 150 was involved in an aviation accident near Kenai, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with a tailwind. 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 the landing roll, the tailwheel-equipped airplane ground looped to the left, resulting in substantial damage to both wings and lift struts. No preaccident mechanical failures were reported.

Accident Details

The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll, the airplane ground looped to the left. The ground loop occurred after touchdown on runway 36.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and lift struts. The extent of the damage required repair or replacement of these components.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. This suggests that the airplane was functioning as intended prior to the occurrence.

Weather Conditions

The automated weather observation station, located about 5 miles north of the accident airport, reported that approximately 7 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 220° at 7 knots. The airplane landed on runway 36, which is oriented north-south, meaning the wind was from the left-front quadrant relative to the landing direction.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation