N98900

On October 9, 1998, about 2040 Alaska daylight time, a float equipped Piper PA-12 airplane, N98900, sustained substantial damage while landing at Lake Hood, Anchorage, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The solo private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated about 1930 from Snider Lake, located about 28 miles southwest of Talkeetna, Alaska.

During an on-scene interview with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge on October 9, the pilot reported that he was returning to Lake Hood after winterizing his remote cabin. He stated that his departure from Snider Lake was later than he had anticipated, requiring him to land at night at Lake Hood. The pilot reported that he made a straight in approach, landing to the south, utilizing the south water lane. He said that just prior to touchdown, he realized that he was about 500 feet to the right of the intended touchdown area, and over a gravel aircraft parking area. The pilot said that he applied full power in an attempt to go-around, but the airplane continued to settle onto the parking area. The airplane's right wing struck a parked Piper PA-18, and a set of stored floats. The airplane pivoted to the right, and the left wing struck the ground. The airplane's wings and fuselage sustained substantial damage.

The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.