Summary
On March 27, 1999, a Piper PA-32-301 (N81844) was involved in an incident near Chefornak, AK. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing site. A factor associated with the accident was rough and uneven terrain.
On March 27, 1999, about 1010 Alaska standard time, a wheel equipped Piper PA-32-301 airplane, N81844, sustained substantial damage while landing at the Chefornak Airport, Chefornak, Alaska. The airline transport certificated pilot and the one passenger aboard were not injured. The 14 CFR Part 135 scheduled commuter flight was being operated in visual meteorological conditions by Peninsula Airways as Flight 421. The flight last departed Bethel, Alaska, about 0913, and the destination was Chefornak.
According to the pilot's written statement submitted to the NTSB, the airplane bounced when it encountered frost heaves upon touchdown, and the nose landing gear collapsed.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ANC99LA039. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N81844.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing site. A factor associated with the accident was rough and uneven terrain.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On March 27, 1999, about 1010 Alaska standard time, a wheel equipped Piper PA-32-301 airplane, N81844, sustained substantial damage while landing at the Chefornak Airport, Chefornak, Alaska. The airline transport certificated pilot and the one passenger aboard were not injured. The 14 CFR Part 135 scheduled commuter flight was being operated in visual meteorological conditions by Peninsula Airways as Flight 421. The flight last departed Bethel, Alaska, about 0913, and the destination was Chefornak.
According to the pilot's written statement submitted to the NTSB, the airplane bounced when it encountered frost heaves upon touchdown, and the nose landing gear collapsed. The pilot noted there was no preimpact mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
Conversations with the Director of Maintenance for the operator, and an FAA airworthiness inspector who examined the airplane, disclosed the airplane received substantial damage to the firewall bulkhead.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC99LA039