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NTSB Report
September 1, 1992 · Piper PA-18 · N4493Z
Anchorage, AK
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 1, 1992
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Anchorage, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-18
Tail Number
N4493Z
Operator
Gates George F
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC92FA148
THE PILOT OF THE PA-18 EQUIPPED WITH BALLOON TIRES STRUCK A STUMP OR OTHER OBJECT PRIOR TO BECOMING AIRBORNE AT A REMOTE STRIP. AFTER STRIKING THE OBJECT, THE PILOT BECAME AIRBORNE, ASSESSED DAMAGED TO THE LANDING GEAR AND CONTINUED THE FLIGHT TO ANCHORAGE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. UPON TOUCHDOWN THE PILOT LOST CONTROL AND THE AIRCRAFT SWERVED IN THE DIRECTION OF THE DAMAGED MAIN GEAR AND NOSED OVER ON LANDING ROLL.
NTSB Probable Cause
MISJUDGMENT BY THE PILOT TO INSURE ADEQUATE DISTANCE FROM OBJECTS IN THE TAKEOFF AREA, WHICH RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO THE MAIN LANDING GEAR ON TAKEOFF, AND THE UNCONTROLLED GROUND LOOP BY THE PILOT DURING A LANDING WITH THE DAMAGED LANDING GEAR. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE STUMP OR LOG OBSTRUCTING THE TAKEOFF AREA, AND THE DISTORTION TO THE LANDING GEAR FOLLOWING THE TAKEOFF AT THE REMOTE LOCATION.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT OF THE PA-18 EQUIPPED WITH BALLOON TIRES STRUCK A STUMP OR OTHER OBJECT PRIOR TO BECOMING AIRBORNE AT A REMOTE STRIP. AFTER STRIKING THE OBJECT, THE PILOT BECAME AIRBORNE, ASSESSED DAMAGED TO THE LANDING GEAR AND CONTINUED THE FLIGHT TO ANCHORAGE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. UPON TOUCHDOWN THE PILOT LOST CONTROL AND THE AIRCRAFT SWERVED IN THE DIRECTION OF THE DAMAGED MAIN GEAR AND NOSED OVER ON LANDING ROLL.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:08 AKDT
Nearest AirportAnchorage International (1nm E)
Runway24
Runway Length10600 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-18
Tail NumberN4493Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGates George F
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A2B · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 50 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind190° @ 5 kt
Visibility35 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 6000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 45 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time00:00
Weather SourceWFAC