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September 6, 2017 · Piper PA 12 NO Series · N4088M

Kotzebue, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 6, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Kotzebue, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA 12 NO Series (1946)
Tail Number
N4088M
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA527

The pilot reported that, while landing uphill on an unimproved gravel airstrip, the tailwheel-equipped airplane landed "smooth." He added that, while taxiing to the crest of the hill, a wind gust forced the airplane to become airborne. The airplane then drifted to the left, and he attempted to correct with full right aileron and maximum power. The airplane continued to bank left until "the wind forced the tail in a counter clockwise motion," which resulted in the airplane landing on the right main landing gear (MLG). Subsequently, the right MLG collapsed, and the right wing and right horizontal stabilizer struck the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift strut and the right horizontal stabilizer and elevator. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported the weather at the time of the accident to be wind from 360° at 20 knots, gusting to 25 knots. The pilot landed on about a 360° heading.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing on an unimproved airstrip in gusting wind conditions.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that, while landing uphill, on an unimproved gravel airstrip, the tailwheel-equipped airplane landed "smooth." He added that, while taxing to the crest of the hill, a gust of wind forced the airplane to become airborne. The airplane then drifted to the left and he attempted to correct with full right aileron and maximum power. The airplane continued to bank left until "the wind forced the tail in a counter clockwise motion", which resulted in the airplane landing on the right main landing gear. Subsequently, the right main landing gear collapsed; and the right wing and right horizontal stabilizer struck the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift strut and the right horizontal stabilizer and elevator. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported the weather at the time of the accident to be, wind from 360° at 20 knots, gusting to 25 knots. The pilot landed on about a 360° heading.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA 12 NO Series
Tail NumberN4088M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 29 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind130° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4900 ft
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 37 C
Altimeter29.37 inHg
Observation Time19:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data