Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 20 near Platinum, AK — 2013-12-24

Final reportANC14CA013
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Date
2013-12-24
Location
Platinum, AK, USA
Airport
PTU
Aircraft
PIPER PA 20
Registration
N7069K
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was landing his tailwheel-equipped airplane on a dry, gravel airstrip, which required a correction for a 10 knot right crosswind. He said that during touchdown, a gust of wind picked the airplane up three to four feet, and the airplane drifted left of the centerline. During the second touchdown, the airplane weather-vaned into the wind, and the pilot said that full left rudder had no effect. The airplane continued across the runway and into a ditch, sustaining substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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