Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during an off-airport beach landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he was landing off-airport, on a sloped tidal beach, with a crosswind. During the landing the airplane veered left, and he attempted to correct to no avail. Subsequently, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest about 90° to the left of the intended landing path. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC21LA084 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 4, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Gustavus, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18-150
- N-number
- N371SC
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1970
- 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.