Probable cause
The pilot's failure to see and avoid a post during a go-around following a landing on unsuitable terrain.
NTSB analysis
Due to weather ahead, the pilot decided to land on a gravel strip to wait out the weather. During the landing roll, the tailwheel-equipped airplane became airborne after passing over a low spot on the gravel; the pilot increased the engine power to full to perform a go-around, but the airplane's right wing struck a 10 ft-tall post, which he had not seen, and the airplane impacted the ground.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right 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 GAA18CA376 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 25, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Cantwell, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 18
- N-number
- N249T
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1953
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.