Skylane 182/RG Turbo Skylane/RG
Dispatch Dispatcher; Flight Crew Private
Dispatch Dispatch 28; Flight Crew Last 90 Days 45
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Inflight Event / Encounter Wake Vortex Encounter
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Environment - Non Weather Related; Procedure
I was returning to Lake Hood strip when I contacted LHD Tower. They informed me of a C17 on approach to Elmendorf AFB; caution wake turbulence. At that point I called the Tower and requested a 360 for separation which is standard practice entering LHD airspace. I made a 180 and flew north for a bit admiring the view of Denali then continued the turn toward LHD. I crossed the north shore of Cook Inlet just west of Point Mackenzie at 1100 ft; 3.6 miles behind the C17 according to radar data. About mid-channel I hit the wake turbulence from the C17. It was the most violent turbulence I have ever experienced. May have lasted for a second but caused substantial damage to the aircraft. Both bottom wing skins are wrinkled and spars are cracked. I was light; 1 passenger and 20 gallon gas onboard. If I was at gross I don't believe we would be having this discussion. I have been flying out of LHD for over thirty years without incident. Is the C17 to blame or does the approach need to be changed; I don't know.
C182 pilot reported the aircraft was damaged following a wake turbulence encounter with a C-17 in the vicinity of EDF.