Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing area. A factor in the accident was the soft terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot landed the airplane on the gravel bar and during the landing roll the right wheel hit a soft spot in the gravel bar. The airplane veered to the right and dragged the left wing and left elevator
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 16, 1996, at 1700 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Piper PA-18-150 airplane, N3086Z, registered to and operated by the pilot, dragged the left wing during the landing at an off airport site located at geographic coordinates 67 degrees, 52 minutes north and 163 degrees, 43 minutes west. The personal flight, operating under 14 CFR Part 91, departed a field site in the area and the destination was the gravel bar on which the airplane dragged its wing. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. According to the pilot, he landed on the gravel bar and during the landing roll the right wheel hit a soft spot in the gravel bar. The airplane veered to the right and dragged the left wing and left elevator. -