Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in crosswind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while landing in crosswind conditions and as the tailwheel set down, the airplane veered left. Subsequently, the airplane exited the left side of the runway, struck a well head, and came to rest nose down.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation system about 7 nautical miles from the accident site reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 280° at 11 knots. The pilot landed on runway 26.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA441 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 23, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Sterling, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Scooter'S Landing Strip (AK84)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA18S
- N-number
- N4387A
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1956
- 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.