Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot-in-command's failure to compensate for the crosswind during taxi. The crosswind was a factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot-in-command stated he was taxiing with a strong crosswind. His taxi speed was a normal speed and he was holding the control stick in a neutral position. A gust of wind lifted the left wing and the pilot then moved the control stick to the left and added power. The airplane departed the runway and went over an embankment on the south side of the runway.
Source record
Factual narrative
On October 3, 1993, at 1100 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Piper PA-18-180 airplane, N3680Z, registered to the Driscoll Aircraft Corporation of Anchorage, Alaska, and piloted by the Pilot-in-Command, swerved off the south side of the runway at Pilot Point, Alaska, while taxiing for takeoff. The personal flight, operating under 14 CFR Part 91, was departing Pilot Point for a local flight. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The airplane was substantially damaged and there were no injuries to the Private Certificated Pilot-in-Command and his passenger. According to the Pilot-in-Command, he was taxiing eastbound to prepare for a westbound takeoff. Just prior to reaching the end of the runway, the wind, blowing from the north, picked up his left wing and the airplane left the runway off the south side. The Pilot-in-Command stated he could not estimate the wind speed; however, the wind sock was standing straight out. He also stated he was relaxed during the taxi and could not estimate his taxi speed except as "a speed at which he normally would taxi," and that he held the control stick in a neutral position. -