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NTSB Report
September 23, 1983 · Piper PA-18 · N3873Z
Port Alsworth, AK
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 23, 1983
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Port Alsworth, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-18
Tail Number
N3873Z
Operator
John Michael Rank
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC83LA184
REPORTEDLY, THE PLT WAS LOOKING AT AN AREA IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN NEAR AN OFF ARPT LANDING AREA WHEN HE ENCOUNTERED WINDSHEAR & A DOWNDRAFT WHILE TURNING. HE STATED THAT THE ALFT DROPPED 400 FT & HE APPLIED FULL POWER; HOWEVER, THE LEFT WING STRUCK THE GROUND BEFORE HE COULD RECOVER. THE ACFT THEN CARTWHEELED & CAME TO REST UPSIDE DOWN. THE PLT REPORTED THAT THERE WAS TURBULENCE & THE WIND WAS FROM 360 DEG AT 30 GUSTING 35 KTS.
Full Narrative
REPORTEDLY, THE PLT WAS LOOKING AT AN AREA IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN NEAR AN OFF ARPT LANDING AREA WHEN HE ENCOUNTERED WINDSHEAR & A DOWNDRAFT WHILE TURNING. HE STATED THAT THE ALFT DROPPED 400 FT & HE APPLIED FULL POWER; HOWEVER, THE LEFT WING STRUCK THE GROUND BEFORE HE COULD RECOVER. THE ACFT THEN CARTWHEELED & CAME TO REST UPSIDE DOWN. THE PLT REPORTED THAT THERE WAS TURBULENCE & THE WIND WAS FROM 360 DEG AT 30 GUSTING 35 KTS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:30 AHDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-18
Tail NumberN3873Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJohn Michael Rank
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 36 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 30 kt, gusting 35 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point30 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO