The pilot decided to land on a gravel strip in Cantwell, Alaska, to wait out weather ahead.
During the landing roll, the tailwheel-equipped Piper PA-18 became airborne after passing over a low spot on the gravel. The pilot increased engine power to full to perform a go-around, but the right wing hit a 10-foot-tall post, which he had not seen, and the airplane hit 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: The pilot’s failure to see and avoid a post during a go-around following a landing on unsuitable terrain.
NTSB Identification: GAA18CA376
This June 2018 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
There are three airports on the sectional in the Cantwell area. Why didn’t he land at one of those.
Better to hit a post in ground effect (low energy state) that experience I-LOC at altitude. The pilot made TWO good decisions leading up to this accident:
FIRST: He recognized the major risks of pressing forward into deteriorating conditions. BIG KUDOS.
SECOND: He rejected a road because of traffic (risks to others and to self!). BIG KUDOS
While he overflew the gravel bar, it’s very tough to see a post and tougher still to judge its height. It’s also very tough to detect low areas in a gravel bar.
I’d fly with this guy. He makes good decisions, and accepts the resulting risks of making those very good decisions.
Quoting from his report to the NTSB: “approximately 14 sm southwest of UMM (Summit airport) the weather ahead (approx 5 miles) appeared to be too low for my comfort level so I circled in a suitable area and determined to make precautionary landing and wait for it to improve. I determined there was too much traffic on the road so reconnoitered a vacant gravel pad beside the highway. gravel area was sufficient in length and appeared to be adequate from low pass observation. I set up traffic pattern to land into the wind. upon touching down, the airplane went through a low spot and became airborne at the other-side. I applied full throttle to perform a go-around. I kept the airplane low in ground effect to gather speed touching the gravel surface briefly twice then maneuvered to remain clear of obstacles (trees). I neglected to see a 10 high, 2” post and the right wing contacted the top few inches of the post on the leading edge 3′ from the wingtip. the aircraft began to rotate and eliminate the ability to continued controlled flight. the aircraft struck the ground and came to rest upright after rotating 270 degrees. No injuries were incurred. “
I agree completely. A plane banged up during a precautionary landing is preferable to a fatality CFIT (Controlled Flight Into Terrain) crash in (presumably in-forecast) poor weather.
Edit: “un-forecast”
The most important “instrument” is the Outside World Indicator , otherwise known as the windows.
A low altitude pass over and to the side of a landing area ( gravel, grass or water) to check all conditions including obstacles, wind etc.
Checking for wires, poles or floating logs in never a waste of time.
See and avoid is not a sentence for pilots use in legal check rides. It is a sentence to be strictly during their lifes and flights.