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ANC13CA045

2013-05-13 · Nikiski, Alaska, United States · None · 1 aircraft · Status: Completed

Current FAA registration · N2496P

Make / Model
PIPER PA-18A
Engine
LYCOMING 0-320 SERIES (180 hp)
Seats / Engines
2 seats · 1 engine
Last airworthiness date
19720427
ADS-B equipped
Yes — Mode-S A254A6

Source: FAA Aircraft Registry (releasable master file).

Aircraft involved

Probable cause & findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, resulting in contact with terrain, and a ground loop.

Factual narrative

The pilot was landing his tailwheel-equipped airplane at an off-airport beach landing site. During the landing flare, a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the left, and the left wing contacted the sloping beach, resulting in a ground loop. Both wings sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane. The pilot was landing his tailwheel-equipped airplane at an off-airport beach landing site. During the landing flare, a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the left, and the left wing contacted the sloping beach, resulting in a ground loop. Both wings sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

  • C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
  • C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
  • — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Gusts-Contributed to outcome

Verbatim from NTSB's published report. Source file NTSB_2013_ANC13CA045.txt. Findings + structured fields enriched from FAA avall.mdb. Full investigation docket on data.ntsb.gov ↗.

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