Piper PA 18 N8560C accident near Denali, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing on a narrow, unimproved airstrip in gusting wind conditions.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while landing on the narrow, unimproved airstrip in gusting wind conditions, the airplane drifted right of center, and he was unable to recover. Subsequently, the right wing impacted trees off the right side of the unimproved airstrip.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and empennage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

An automated weather observation system about 26 nautical miles from the accident site reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 010° at 9 knots, gusting to 15 knots.

The pilot reported weather conditions as good other than gusting wind when entering and in the river valley.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA408 for the full record.