Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing and his excessive rudder input, which resulted in a runway excursion and landing gear collapse.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during landing with a gusting crosswind, the airplane veered right. He applied left rudder, and the airplane veered left and then exited the runway onto gravel. The right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing 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 GAA19CA500 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 27, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Tok, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Tok Junction (6K8)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA18
- N-number
- N82253
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- 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.