On September 21, 2018, a Piper PA18 150 was involved in an aviation accident near St. Mary's, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s selection of an unsuitable off-airport landing area, which resulted in a ground loop. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A tailwheel-equipped airplane struck holes and bumps during landing on a slippery dirt and grass area, causing wing strikes and a ground loop, with substantial damage to the left wing.
Accident Details
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane was landing at an off-airport dirt and grass landing area. The pilot reported that the ground was very slippery at the time. During the landing roll, the airplane encountered several holes and bumps, causing it to rock side to side. As a result, the left wing struck the ground. The impact pushed the left wing upward, which then caused the right wing to strike and catch the ground. The airplane subsequently ground looped to the right and came to rest in a nose-down attitude.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
PilotDecision related to conditionEffect on operation
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