Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, after touchdown, the airplane began oscillating and that it then exited the runway to the right. The airplane ground looped to the right, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing impacted the ground.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA363 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 19, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Yakutat, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Yakutat (YAK)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Instrument (IMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA22
- N-number
- N9819D
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1959
- 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.