Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 12 near Anchorage, AK — 2017-03-14

Final reportGAA17CA188
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Date
2017-03-14
Location
Anchorage, AK, USA
Airport
MRI
Aircraft
PIPER PA 12
Registration
N3654M
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the taxi on skis on hard-packed snow in gusting wind conditions.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the wheel/ski-equipped airplane reported that, after landing on skis and during the taxi on hard-packed snow, a wind gust pushed the airplane, and the left wing impacted a parked, unoccupied airplane. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and left wing lift strut. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport revealed that, about 13 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 360° at 12 knots, gusting to 20 knots.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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