Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing area. A factor associated with the accident was trees.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On August 22, 2001, about 2100 Alaska daylight time, a tundra tire equipped Piper PA-12 airplane, N7604H, sustained substantial damage during landing at an off airport site, about 18 miles east of Nenana, Alaska. The solo certificated private pilot was not injured. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a VFR flight plan was filed. The flight originated about 2015, from the Chena Marina Airport, Fairbanks, Alaska.
During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge on August 23, the pilot reported that he was landing to the west on an 800 feet long site. He said that as he neared the approach end of the site, just before touchdown, both main wheels struck a small stand of trees, and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and fuselage. The pilot said that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
The pilot did not submit a Pilot/Operator report (NTSB form 6120.1/2).
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC01LA123