Piper PA-12 N4166M accident near Chena Hot Springs, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions during landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control and collision with trees.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he was landing the tailwheel-equipped airplane on a gravel-covered runway in a left crosswind. He stated that during touchdown he used insufficient rudder and the airplane veered to the left. He added power to correct the situation and abort the landing, but the airplane's right wing contacted trees and it pivoted to the right. The airplane continued to track right, exited the gravel runway, and came to rest at the base of an embankment. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing assembly and empennage. The pilot noted that there were no preimpact mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC11CA001 for the full record.