Probable cause
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in the landing gear collapsing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the ski-equipped airplane reported that, while landing off-airport on a snow-covered field, he side-loaded the landing gear on the left side against a large "tussock" hidden by the snow. The left landing gear folded under the airplane, which caused the left wingtip to drop into the snow and impact a snow-covered tussock.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA132 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 28, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mcgrath, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 18A
- N-number
- N8170C
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1954
- 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.