Probable cause
The pilot's selection of an unsuitable off-airport landing site, which resulted in a loss of control during the landing roll.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was landing his tailwheel-equipped airplane at an off-airport site when the left main landing gear hit a hole and the airplane ground looped, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot said that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC12CA069 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 6, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Skwentna, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18-150
- N-number
- N623JE
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.