Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA18CA376

Cantwell, AK, USA

Aircraft #1

N249T

PIPER PA 18

Analysis

Due to weather ahead, the pilot decided to land on a gravel strip to wait out the weather. During the landing roll, the tailwheel-equipped airplane became airborne after passing over a low spot on the gravel; the pilot increased the engine power to full to perform a go-around, but the airplane's right wing struck a 10 ft-tall post, which he had not seen, and the airplane impacted the ground.    The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.  The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

Due to weather ahead, the pilot decided to land on a gravel strip to wait out the weather. During the landing roll, the tailwheel equipped airplane "became airborne" after passing over a low spot on a gravel he increased the engine power to full to perform a go-around. But, the airplane's right wing struck a 10 ft. high post, which he had not seen, and the airplane impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to see and avoid a post during a go-around following a landing on unsuitable terrain.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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