Gilliam Glacier, AK, USA
N9884D
Piper PA18
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that the weather conditions were "gusty winds with intermittent rain" and that a quartering headwind existed at the airstrip. During initial climb, a wind gust forced the airplane back into ground effect, and another gust forced the airplane back onto the airstrip. The right main landing gear collapsed, the right wing struck the ground, and the airplane came to rest nose down. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that the wind was variable at 5 knots, gusting to 22 knots. The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented if he had waited for "calmer conditions."
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that the weather conditions were "gusty winds with intermittent rain," and the wind was a quartering headwind at the remote airstrip. During takeoff initial climb, a "gust of wind" forced the airplane back into ground effect and an additional gust forced the airplane back onto the airstrip. The right main landing gear collapsed, the right wing struck the ground, and the airplane came to rest nose down. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The nearest automated weather observation station located at an airport 41 nautical miles from the accident site reported that, about 30 minutes prior the accident, the wind was from 170° true at 34 knots, gusting 45 knots. The pilot reported the wind was variable, 5 knots, gusting 22 knots. The pilot departed to the north. The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented if he had waited for "calmer conditions."
The pilot's improper decision to take off in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a loss of control and collision with terrain.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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