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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

June 27, 2016 · Piper PA18 A150 · N4231Z

Palmer, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 27, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Palmer, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA18 A150 (1966)
Tail Number
N4231Z
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC16CA041

The pilot was landing his tailwheel-equipped airplane on a rough and uneven, gravel covered, off-airport landing site adjacent to a river. Prior to landing, the pilot overflew the landing site multiple times at different altitudes for inspection. During the landing rollout the right wing struck tree branches, which resulted in a ground-loop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, empennage and left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot stated that the accident may have been prevented if he would have increased his familiarization of off-airport operations, or selected a more suitable landing site.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for an off-airport landing, which resulted in a collision with trees and a ground-loop.

Full Narrative

The pilot was landing his tailwheel-equipped airplane on a rough and uneven, gravel covered, off-airport landing site adjacent to a river. Prior to landing, the pilot overflew the landing site multiple times at different altitudes for inspection. During the landing rollout the right wing struck tree branches, which resulted in a ground-loop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, empennage and left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot stated that the accident may have been prevented if he would have increased his familiarization of off-airport operations, or selected a more suitable landing site.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:00 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA18 A150
Tail NumberN4231Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · 0-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 26 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind130° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 45 C
Altimeter30.14 inHg
Observation Time17:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data