Pilot Debrief

Piper PA 18A near McGrath, AK — 2019-01-28

Final reportGAA19CA132
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Date
2019-01-28
Location
McGrath, AK, USA
Aircraft
Piper PA 18A
Registration
N8170C
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in the landing gear collapsing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the ski-equipped airplane reported that, while landing off-airport on a snow-covered field, he side-loaded the landing gear on the left side against a large "tussock" hidden by the snow. The left landing gear folded under the airplane, which caused the left wingtip to drop into the snow and impact a snow-covered tussock. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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