No fatalities

PIPER PA-12 accident at Rangeley, ME, 27 Oct 2023

Rangeley, ME, United States

On October 27, 2023, a PIPER PA-12 was involved in an aviation accident near Rangeley, ME. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with a crosswind, after the right tailwheel spring separated. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 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 the landing roll with a crosswind, after the right tailwheel spring separated.

— NTSB Determination

Contributing factors

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintainedMalfunctionEffect on operation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Oct 2023 PIPER PA-12 accident near Rangeley, ME?

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with a crosswind, after the right tailwheel spring separated.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Oct 2023 PIPER PA-12 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Oct 2023 involved a PIPER PA-12, at Rangeley, ME.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with a crosswind, after the right tailwheel spring separated.