Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA18 near Mouth of The Big Susitna River, AK — 2016-11-07

Final reportGAA17CA057
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Date
2016-11-07
Location
Mouth of The Big Susitna River, AK, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA18
Registration
N62744
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s decision to take off with a gusting quartering tailwind and his subsequent loss of airplane control.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during takeoff from a tidal flat, a strong quartering tailwind gust "hit the tail" and he corrected with rudder. The pilot further reported that as soon as the airplane became airborne another strong quartering tailwind gust pushed the airplane inline to impact a driftwood tree that was lying on the tidal flat. The airplane proceeded to strike and bounce off of the driftwood tree and then descended toward a water channel. The pilot reported that he "did not know exactly what happened", other than the airplane touched down on the other side of the water channel and the main landing gear collapsed. Subsequently, the left wingtip hit the ground and the airplane slid to a stop backwards. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine 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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