On 25 Jun 2018, a PIPER PA 18 105 was involved in an aviation accident near Cantwell, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to see and avoid a post during a go-around following a landing on unsuitable terrain. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A tailwheel airplane struck a 10-foot post during a go-around after becoming airborne over a low spot on a gravel strip, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing.
Event Narrative
A pilot flying a tailwheel-equipped airplane decided to land on a gravel strip to wait out adverse weather ahead. During the landing roll, the airplane became airborne after passing over a low spot on the strip. The pilot then increased engine power to full to perform a go-around. However, the airplane's right wing struck a 10-foot-high post that the pilot reported not seeing, causing the airplane to impact the ground.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing as a result of the impact with the post and subsequent ground contact.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.