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NTSB Report
July 23, 2017 · Piper PA18S 150 · N4387A
Sterling, AK
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 23, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Sterling, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA18S 150 (1956)
Tail Number
N4387A
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA441
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while landing in crosswind conditions and as the tailwheel set down, the airplane veered left. Subsequently, the airplane exited the left side of the runway, struck a well head, and came to rest nose down. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation system about 7 nautical miles from the accident site reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 280° at 11 knots. The pilot landed on runway 26.
NTSB Probable Cause
Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
Full Narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while landing in crosswind conditions, as the tailwheel set down the airplane veered left. Subsequently, the airplane exited the left side of the runway, struck a well head and came to rest nose down. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation system about 7 nautical miles from the accident site reported, about the time of the accident, the wind was 280° at 11 knots. The pilot landed on runway 26.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:10 AKDT
Nearest AirportScooter'S Landing Strip (0nm ESE)
Runway26
Runway Length2400 ft
Runway Width80 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA18S 150
Tail NumberN4387A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 54 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 54
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time18:56
Weather SourceWFAC