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NTSB Report
September 5, 2009 · Piper PA-18 · N5773D
Fairbanks, AK
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 5, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Fairbanks, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-18
Tail Number
N5773D
Operator
Jeffrey W Croll
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC09CA096
The private pilot reported he was landing his tailwheel-equipped airplane on a soft, rough and uneven gravel runway at the conclusion of a local personal flight operated under Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. He said immediately upon touchdown, the airplane veered to the right, and the right wing struck trees, which pivoted the airplane 180 degrees to the right. The left wing struck the ground and sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. In his written report to the NTSB the pilot noted that the accident might have been avoided if he had landed on the first part of the airstrip where the runway was wider.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot’s decision to land on unsuitable terrain, which resulted in a loss of control and a collision with trees.
Full Narrative
The private pilot reported he was landing his tailwheel-equipped airplane on a soft, rough and uneven gravel runway at the conclusion of a local personal flight operated under Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. He said immediately upon touchdown, the airplane veered to the right, and the right wing struck trees, which pivoted the airplane 180 degrees to the right. The left wing struck the ground and sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. In his written report to the NTSB the pilot noted that the accident might have been avoided if he had landed on the first part of the airstrip where the runway was wider.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:00 AKDT
Nearest AirportGold King Creek Airport (0nm)
Runway27
Runway Length2558 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-18
Tail NumberN5773D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJeffrey W Croll
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 44 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO