FAIRBANKS, AK, USA
N9869D
PIPER PA-18-150
THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING TO LAND THE AIRPLANE IN GUSTY WIND CONDITIONS. HE STATED THAT JUST PRIOR TO TOUCHDOWN A GUST OF WIND TURNED THE AIRPLANE 45 DEGREES TO THE LEFT. HE ADDED POWER TO ATTEMPT A GO AROUND BUT THE AIRPLANE STRUCK THE TREE TOPS AND CRASHED.
On June 26, 1994 at 1230 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Piper PA-18-150 airplane, N9868D, registered to and operated by the private certificated pilot, crashed into the trees at an airstrip located 1/2 mile from the Gold King Airstrip, located 50 miles south of Fairbanks, Alaska. The personal flight, operating under 14 CFR Part 91, departed Fairbanks and the destination was the accident site. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane received substantial damage and the pilot and passenger were not injured. According to the pilot, the wind was from the southwest at 15 knots with gusts to 25 knots. He stated that "everything went good to just before touchdown (2 feet above the ground) when a big gust came through and the next thing I knew I was pointing 45 degree to the left." He further stated that he added power attempting a go around but was too close to the trees. The airplane struck the top of a 30 foot high aspen tree and turned to the left and crashed nose first. The pilot stated there was no mechanical problem that caused the accident.
THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR THE WIND CONDITIONS DURING THE LANDING. THE GUSTY WIND CONDITION WAS A FACTOR.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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