No fatalities

PIPER PA-18-150 accident at Fairbanks, AK, 29 May 2023

Fairbanks, AK, United States

On May 29, 2023, a PIPER PA-18-150 operated by ALASKA TAILWHEEL LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing with a quartering tailwind, which resulted in a water loop and impact with terrain. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 13 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing with a quartering tailwind, which resulted in a water loop and impact with terrain.

— NTSB Determination

Contributing factors

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintainedEffect on operation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 May 2023 PIPER PA-18-150 accident near Fairbanks, AK?

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing with a quartering tailwind, which resulted in a water loop and impact with terrain.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 May 2023 PIPER PA-18-150 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 May 2023 involved a PIPER PA-18-150, operated by ALASKA TAILWHEEL LLC, at Fairbanks, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing with a quartering tailwind, which resulted in a water loop and impact with terrain.