Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional during the landing rollout in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, after a normal approach and touchdown on the centerline of the runway in crosswind conditions the airplane veered to the left. He attempted to correct for the veer with right brake and rudder control to no avail. The airplane exited the runway and impacted terrain, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, right wing, and right aileron. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC22LA036 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 28, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Gulkana, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Gulkana (GKN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18-150
- N-number
- N5773M
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1975
- 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.