Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions. A factor relating to the accident was: the gusty crosswind condition.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported he was attempting to land the airplane on the remnants of an old road in gusty crosswind conditions. He said that during the landing roll, a wind gust caused him to lose directional control. The left main wheel went off the road and into an adjoining marsh. The airplane's main landing gear then struck a log, and the airplane nosed over.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 9, 1995, about 1700 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Piper PA-12 airplane, N45DK, sustained substantial damage while landing at an off airport site approximately 30 miles west of Anchorage, Alaska. The solo private pilot was not injured. The personal flight operated in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The flight originated at Merrill Field, Anchorage, about 1630. The pilot reported he was attempting to land the airplane in gusty crosswind conditions near the Susitna River on the remnants of a gravel road. He said a wind gust caused him to lose directional control while landing. He attempted to abort the landing, but the left wheel went off the edge of the gravel landing surface. The airplane subsequently went into a marshy area, struck a log and nosed over. -