Piper PA 12 N4088M accident near Kotzebue, Alaska

Probable cause

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

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, while landing uphill on an unimproved gravel airstrip, the tailwheel-equipped airplane landed "smooth." He added that, while taxiing to the crest of the hill, a wind gust forced the airplane to become airborne. The airplane then drifted to the left, and he attempted to correct with full right aileron and maximum power. The airplane continued to bank left until "the wind forced the tail in a counter clockwise motion," which resulted in the airplane landing on the right main landing gear (MLG). Subsequently, the right MLG collapsed, and the right wing and right horizontal stabilizer struck the ground.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift strut and the right horizontal stabilizer and elevator.

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

The pilot reported the weather at the time of the accident to be wind from 360° at 20 knots, gusting to 25 knots. The pilot landed on about a 360° heading.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA527 for the full record.