Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-18-150 near Palmer, AK — 2025-03-02

Final reportANC25LA024
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Date
2025-03-02
Location
Palmer, AK, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-18-150
Registration
N6999
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain an appropriate airspeed during the landing approach, which resulted in exceedance of the critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall, during gusting wind conditions.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that on short final to a remote gravel airstrip, and just prior to touch down, a gust of wind made his approach feel unstable. The pilot attempted to abort the landing, but the wind gust decreased, and the airplane stalled and landed hard. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures 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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