Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The airplane's low airspeed during final approach, and the pilot's delayed remedial action in correcting the low airspeed condition.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On August 8, 1996, about 1300 Alaska daylight time, a Piper PA-18 airplane, N9730P, sustained substantial damage while landing at an off airport site approximately 45 miles northwest of Arctic Village, Alaska. The private pilot and sole passenger aboard were not injured. The personal, 14 CFR Part 91 flight operated in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The flight originated at Arctic Village, Alaska, about 1215.
During a telephone conversation with the NTSB investigator-in-charge on August 16, the pilot related that he allowed the airplane's airspeed to become too slow while on short final approach to a gravel bar. He said he added power, but was too late to keep the airplane from sinking and landing hard and short of his intended touchdown point. The airplane traveled a short distance and nosed over.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC96LA121