Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's inadequate compensation for gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in a loss of directional control and subsequent collision with trees/brush. Factors relating to the accident were: the crosswind and wind gusts.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported he was landing his 'Tundra' tire equipped airplane on a turf airstrip in gusty crosswind conditions. During the landing roll, a gust of wind veered the airplane to the right. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control, and the airplane went off the airstrip and collided with trees and brush.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 2, 1996, about 1300 Alaska daylight time, a "Tundra" tire equipped Piper PA-18 airplane, N7669D, sustained substantial damage while landing at the Chistochina airstrip, which is located approximately 30 miles northeast of Gakona, Alaska. The private certificated pilot and the sole passenger aboard were not injured. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight operated in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The flight last departed a rural "bush" airstrip near Mankomen Lake, about 1240, and the destination was Chistochina. During a telephone conversation with the NTSB investigator-in-charge on September 4, 1996, the pilot stated he was attempting to land on runway 01 in gusty winds. He said the airplane initially bounced on landing, and he added power and touched down again. While rolling out after the second touchdown, he said a crosswind gust caused the airplane to veer to the right. He was unable to control the airplane, and it went off the runway and collided with the bordering trees and brush. -