Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-18-150 near Stony River, AK — 2010-04-03

Final reportANC10TA028
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Date
2010-04-03
Location
Stony River, AK, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-18-150
Registration
N82732
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Taxi

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during taxi from landing, which resulted in the airplane sliding into trees.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot was on a public use wildlife patrol in a ski-equipped airplane when the accident occurred. The pilot reported that he landed on a frozen lake to make contact with the owner of a wilderness lodge, and that while taxiing from landing the airplane slid off the taxi area and into trees. The pilot said that he attempted to determine wind conditions on the ground and elected to land upslope to the east. He reported that his landing slide was longer than anticipated and he thought about going around. After almost coming to a stop, he said that he steered the airplane to the right edge of the landing area and attempted to use power to blow the tail of the airplane around; however, when he added power the skis failed to catch and the left wing struck a tree. Upon exiting the airplane he realized that he had landed downwind and that the wind appeared to be about 6 knots. The pilot did not report any mechanical anomalies with the airplane prior to the accident. The pilot noted substantial damage to both wings.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have gone around instead of continuing to taxi after landing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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