Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN THE PROPER APPROACH AND LANDING SPEED, NOT MAINTAINING DIRECTIONAL CONTROL, AND HIS INADEQUATE REMEDIAL ACTION(S). A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE LOOSE OBJECTS IN THE LANDING AREA.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On May 28, 1995, at 1830 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Piper PA-22 airplane, N8021D, registered to and operated by the pilot, nosed over and crashed into the Mulchatna River, 18 miles southeast of Koliganek, Alaska. The personal flight, operating under 14 CFR Part 91, departed the accident site for a local flight. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured.
According to the pilot, he departed the sandbar to burn off fuel. Upon returning for landing, the approach and landing airspeed was "too hot." The airplane bounced and when it touched down the second time the left main landing gear struck a small pile of sand and sticks. The pilot stated he lost directional control and he added full power. He regained control of the airplane but was too fast to stop in the remaining landing area. He attempted to accelerate and climb out but was unable to clear the brush located past the departure end of the landing area. The main gear hit the brush and the airplane nosed over into the Mulchatna River.
The pilot stated, the takeoff area on the sandbar was 650 feet long and 50 feet wide. The brush that the airplane struck was 75 feet beyond the end of the takeoff area.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC95LA060