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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

August 12, 2018 · Piper PA18 150 · N9884D

Gilliam Glacier, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 12, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Gilliam Glacier, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA18 150 (1959)
Tail Number
N9884D
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA494

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that the weather conditions were "gusty winds with intermittent rain" and that a quartering headwind existed at the airstrip. During initial climb, a wind gust forced the airplane back into ground effect, and another gust forced the airplane back onto the airstrip. The right main landing gear collapsed, the right wing struck the ground, and the airplane came to rest nose down. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that the wind was variable at 5 knots, gusting to 22 knots. The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented if he had waited for "calmer conditions."

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper decision to take off in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a loss of control and collision with terrain.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that the weather conditions were "gusty winds with intermittent rain," and the wind was a quartering headwind at the remote airstrip. During takeoff initial climb, a "gust of wind" forced the airplane back into ground effect and an additional gust forced the airplane back onto the airstrip. The right main landing gear collapsed, the right wing struck the ground, and the airplane came to rest nose down. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The nearest automated weather observation station located at an airport 41 nautical miles from the accident site reported that, about 30 minutes prior the accident, the wind was from 170° true at 34 knots, gusting 45 knots. The pilot reported the wind was variable, 5 knots, gusting 22 knots. The pilot departed to the north. The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented if he had waited for "calmer conditions."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA18 150
Tail NumberN9884D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E3D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 25 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 16 kt, gusting 34 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 13000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 48
Altimeter29.64 inHg
Observation Time21:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data