Piper PA-12, N3654M: Accident occurred March 13, 2017 in Anchorage, Alaska

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office: Anchorage, Alaska

Aviation Accident Factual Report  -  National Transportation Safety Board:  https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Docket And Docket Items - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

http://registry.faa.gov/N3654M

NTSB Identification: GAA17CA188
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Monday, March 13, 2017 in Anchorage, AK
Probable Cause Approval Date: 05/15/2017
Aircraft: PIPER PA 12, registration: N3654M
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.

NTSB investigators used data provided by various entities, including, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration and/or the operator and did not travel in support of this investigation to prepare this aircraft accident report.

The pilot of the wheel/ski-equipped airplane reported that, after landing on skis and during the taxi on hard-packed snow, a wind gust pushed the airplane, and the left wing impacted a parked, unoccupied airplane.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and left wing lift strut.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport revealed that, about 13 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 360° at 12 knots, gusting to 20 knots.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the taxi on skis on hard-packed snow in gusting wind conditions.