AIRCRAFT 1 PRELIMINARY REPORT

On June 13, 2000, about 2330 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Piper PA-18-160 airplane, N9963Q, sustained substantial damage while landing at an off airport site, about 20 miles southeast of Palmer, Alaska, at 61 degrees 07 minutes north latitude, 148 degrees 43 minutes west longitude. The solo certificated airline transport pilot was not injured. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated about 2200, from the Sky Ranch Airstrip, Palmer, Alaska. During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge on June 14, the pilot reported that he was practicing touch-and-go landings on a remote sand bar. He said that during his fifth landing, just prior to touchdown, a gust of wind lifted the right wing, and the left wing struck the ground. The airplane pivoted 45 degrees to the left, the right main landing gear struck the ground and collapsed. The right wing sustained substantial damage to the main spar. The pilot said that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

AIRCRAFT 1 FINAL REPORT

The certificated airline transport pilot was practicing touch-and-go landings on a remote sand bar. He stated that during his fifth landing, just prior to touchdown, a gust of wind lifted the right wing, and the left wing struck the ground. He said that as the airplane pivoted 45 degrees to the left, the right main landing gear struck the ground and collapsed. The right wing sustained substantial damage to the main spar.

AIRCRAFT 1 CAUSE REPORT

The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. A factor associated in the accident was a variable wind.

END REPORT