Probable cause
The pilot's decision to land on an unsuitable landing surface into bright sunlight, which resulted in a loss of control.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a rough and uneven, off-airport site into bright sunlight. Upon landing, the airplane bounced, the pilot lost control, and the airplane impacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings. The pilot indicated there were no preaccident anomalies with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC12CA052 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 16, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Willow, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18
- N-number
- N1203A
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.