N6949B

On August 18, 2002, about 1310 Alaska daylight time, a tundra-tire equipped PA-22-150 airplane, N6949B, sustained substantial damage when it encountered rough and uneven terrain during an aborted landing at an on off-airport site located about 32 miles southwest of Sparrevohn, 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 a VFR flight plan was filed. The flight originated about 1045, from a private airstrip located at Drift River, Alaska.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge on August 20, the pilot reported that he was landing to the north on a treeless, mountain ridge top. He said that while on approach for landing, he encountered what he characterized as light and variable winds estimated to be from the north at 10 knots. He said that just after touchdown, he realized that the wind was from the south. The pilot said that he applied full engine power in an attempt to abort the landing, but the airplane did not become airborne. The airplane rolled to the end of the site, and the main wheels struck rough and uneven terrain. The main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane slid down an embankment. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.

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