N4384C

On September 21, 2005, about 1910 Alaska daylight time, a tundra tire-equipped Champion 7EC airplane, N4384C, sustained substantial damage when it collided with trees during an uncontrolled descent while maneuvering in a remote area, about 12 miles north-northwest of Wasilla, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) local area personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The airplane was operated by the pilot. The private certificated pilot, and the sole passenger, received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated at the Wasilla Airport, Alaska, and no flight plan was filed.

During a telephone conversation with a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) air safety investigator (ASI), on September 26, the pilot reported that he was maneuvering the airplane in the vicinity of a moose with an airspeed of about 50 to 60 knots. The pilot indicated that the left wing stalled, and the airplane then descended into the trees. The passenger notified search and rescue personnel. The pilot said that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane. The airplane received structural damage to wings and fuselage.