NTSB Factual Report

On April 2, 2010, about 1600 Alaska daylight time, a ski-equipped Piper PA-18-150 airplane, N82732, sustained substantial damage when it collided with trees during taxi from landing on a frozen lake, about 30 miles east-southeast of Stony River, Alaska. The airplane was being operated by the State of Alaska, Department of Public Safety, as a visual flight rules (VFR)public use wildlife patrol under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The solo private pilot was not injured. The flight departed McCarthy, Alaska, about 1100.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on April 5, a representative of the State of Alaska, said the pilot reported that he had landed on a frozen lake to make contact with the owner of a wilderness lodge. He said while taxiing from landing the airplane slid off the taxi area and into trees. The pilot reported substantial damage to both wings.

In a written report dated April 6, the pilot wrote that after attempting to determine wind conditions on the ground he elected to land upslope to the east. He reported that his landing slide was longer than anticipated and he thought about going around, but did not. He continued that after almost coming to a stop he steered the airplane to the right edge of the landing area, and attempted to use power to blow the tail of the airplane around, and taxi to a safe area to park. He said when he added power to blow the tail around and turn to the right, the skies failed to catch and the left wing struck a tree causing the airplane to pivot to the left and the right wing struck another tree. The pilot said upon exiting the airplane he realized he had landed downwind, and the wind appeared to be about 6 knots from the west. The pilot did not report any mechanical anomalies with the airplane prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during taxi from landing, which resulted in the airplane sliding into trees.