On 2 Jun 2020, a Piper PA18 150 was involved in an aviation accident near Nikiski, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting wind conditions, 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 and tundra tire-equipped airplane experienced a ground loop after a gust pushed it left during landing on a remote airstrip, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing.
Accident Details
The pilot of a tailwheel and tundra tire-equipped airplane was landing on a remote unimproved airstrip. While on final approach and just before touchdown, a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the left. Subsequently, the left wing contacted alder brush, causing the airplane to veer further left and ground loop. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the right wing.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operations. In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot stated that the accident may have been prevented if he had waited for a day without gusting wind conditions.
Aircraft Information
The airplane was equipped with a tailwheel landing gear and tundra tires, designed for operations on rough or unpaved surfaces. The specific make and model are not detailed in the report.
Contributing factors
PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained