Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a ground loop.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was landing the tailwheel and tundra tire-equipped airplane on a remote unimproved airstrip. While on final approach and just before touchdown, a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the left. The left wing contacted alder brush and the airplane veered to the left and ground looped sustaining substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operations.
In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot stated that the accident may have been prevented if he had waited for a day without gusting wind conditions.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC20CA056 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 2, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Nikiski, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA18
- N-number
- N8987Y
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1974
- 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.