# NTSB ANC14CA080: Piper PA 18-150, N9877D, Aniak, AK, September 13, 2014 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: September 13, 2014, 14:00 local (22:00 UTC) - Place: Aniak, AK - Coordinates: 60.691112, -159.659439 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=60.6911&lon=-159.6594&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Landing-landing roll: Abnormal runway contact](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report December 5, 2014 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office - NTSB case key (mKey): 90070 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC14CA080 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/90070/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=90070 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC14CA080 ## Probable cause The pilot's inability to maintain directional control of the airplane resulting in a separation of the wheel axle, resulting in a collision with terrain. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Wind: crosswind](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on operation - [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause) ## Analysis The pilot was landing in a tailwheel-equipped airplane at a remote, rough and uneven off-airport site, which required a correction for a 15 to 20 mph left crosswind. He stated that during the landing roll the wind pushed the airplane to the left, which resulted in a side load on the main landing gear, and the right main landing gear wheel axle separated. The right wing subsequently struck the ground, sustaining substantial damage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. ## Factual narrative The pilot was landing in a tailwheel-equipped airplane at a remote, rough and uneven off-airport site, which required a correction for a 15 to 20 mph left crosswind. He stated that during the landing roll the wind pushed the airplane to the left, which resulted in a side load on the main landing gear, and the right main landing gear wheel axle separated. The right wing subsequently struck the ground, sustaining substantial damage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Landing-landing roll: Abnormal runway contact](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090) (defining event) - [Landing-landing roll: Sys/Comp malf/fail (non-power)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330) - [Landing-landing roll: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470) ## Aircraft - Registration: [N9877D](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9877D), registered now, S/N 18-6899, built 1959 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: PIPER PA 18-150 (A150) - Registry model: [Piper PA-18-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18-150) (registry code 7101828) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 18-6899 - Year built: 1957 - Engines: LYCOMING O-320 SERIES reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Other work use, Part 91 - Operator: Adams Bob L, doing business as Adams Guiding Service - Registered owner: Adams Bob L - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: NA, Aniak, AK - Destination: NA, Aniak, AK - Airport: NA, None, runway UNK, 500 × 30 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 59; injuries: none; private, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, without waivers/limitations; last flight review June 4, 2014; seat: front; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 14,000 total, 180 in the last 90 days, 50 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 120° at 15 knots, gusting 20 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 50 °F - Altimeter: 29.40 inHg ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20140913017389A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20140913017389A), Sep 13, 2014: Piper PA-18-150, Akiak, AK, Substantial damage. Pilot stated that he side-loaded the landing gear upon landing in a strong gusty crosswind. The pilot landed hard on the downwind tire as the wind picked up… ## Other investigations on N9877D (1) From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. - [NTSB ANC03LA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC03LA049), May 16, 2003: Piper PA-18-160 (N9877D), Aniak, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering, which resulted in the airplane colliding with terrain. A factor contributing to the accident was the pilot's diverted… ## Docket (2 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on November 24, 2014, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=90070. 2.0 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 1.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40419391&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Record of Conversation - Pilot (item 2, .PDF, 125 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40419392&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20-%20Pilot-Master.PDF From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.