Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in an impact with a large hole and a nose-over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was landing his tailwheel and tundra tire-equipped airplane on a remote off-airport landing site. While on short final approach and just before touchdown a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the left. The airplane touched down about five ft left of his intended touchdown point and the left main tire impacted a large hole. The airplane subsequently nosed over sustaining substantial damage to the right wing, right lift strut and rudder. 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 he knew the winds were erratic in the area, and the accident may have been prevented if he had selected another landing site where the winds were more predictable.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC20CA078 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 5, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Minchumina, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
GOT ROCKS
- N-number
- N9015U
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2008
- 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.