Primary finding
Probable cause
The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control on touchdown. A factor in the accident was the gusty crosswind conditions.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
Commercial pilot of supercub equipped with 29 inch balloon tires lost directional control of airplane on landing in gusty crosswind conditions. Airplane collided with trees along side runway.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 7, 1993, at 1332 Alaska daylight time, the commercial pilot of a tundra-tire-equipped Piper PA-18 Supercub airplane, N4485A, lost control on landing and struck trees at the edge of the runway. The accident occurred at Northway, Alaska following a personal flight which had originated at 1200 at Gulkana. No flight plan had been filed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 in visual meteorological conditions. The pilot, as sole occupant was not injured, however the airplane was substantially damaged. The pilot told investigators that gusty crosswinds "picked up his wing," and the airplane hit the trees on the edge of the runway. He said that the airplane had been operating normally, and that it was equipped with 29 inch GAR-AERO balloon tires. -