NTSB Factual Report

On April 3, 2005, about 1700 Alaska daylight time, a tailwheel-equipped Piper PA-18 airplane, N9091D, sustained substantial damage while landing at the Bethel Airport, Bethel, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The solo private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a VFR flight plan was filed. The flight originated at the McGrath Airport, McGrath, Alaska, about 1354.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), on April 14, the pilot reported that he was landing on runway 36, which required a correction for a slight left crosswind. The pilot stated that as the airplane touched down on the runway, it bounced slightly and settled onto the right main tire, and the airplane veered to the right. He said he attempted to abort the landing, but the airplane went off the runway, and ground looped to the right. The airplane sustained structural damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. The pilot noted there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.

Bethel Airport weather observation at the time of the accident consisted of: Sky conditions and ceiling, 1,500 feet scattered; visibility, 10 statute miles; wind, 320 degrees (magnetic) at 11 knots.

In the pilot's written statement to the NTSB, dated May 17, 2005, the pilot wrote: "Given to Kenai flight service station. No further recollection."

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to compensate for a crosswind during an aborted landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control. A factor associated with the accident was a crosswind.