Probable cause
The flight instructor’s improper landing flare and failure to maintain a proper descent rate during approach, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor reported that, during approach at a low level, due to "wind shear," the tailwheel-equipped airplane suddenly lost altitude. The instructor increased the engine power to full, but the airplane touched down "harder than normal." The airplane impacted the airstrip with a side load, and the left wing and left landing gear separated from the airplane, which then slid to a stop and came to rest upright.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
The instructor reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The instructor reported that the wind was from 180° and light and variable at 7 to 10 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA324 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 4, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Talkeetna, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 22
- N-number
- N7257D
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1957
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
Other records under this N-number
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.