Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub, N82065, accident occurred on August 15, 2024, near Arctic Village, Alaska

Aviation Investigation Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.

Investigator In Charge (IIC): Rasmussen, Mitchell

Additional Participating Entities:

• Kyle Weinzirl; FAA FSDO Fairbanks; Fairbanks, AK

https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/194992/pdf

https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=194992

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N82065

Analysis:

The pilot reported that, shortly after takeoff, the airplane encountered a strong gust of wind that lifted the left wing and pushed the airplane to the right of the remote, off airport site. The right wingtip struck the ground, and the airplane ground looped which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing and horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause:

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff in gusting wind conditions.

Findings

• Aircraft Directional control - Not attained/maintained Personnel issues
• Aircraft control - Pilot Environmental issues Gusts - Contributed to outcome

History of Flight 

• Takeoff: Loss of control in flight (Defining event)