N7663H

Substantial
Minor

Piper PA-12S/N: 12-543

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, August 10, 2006
NTSB Number
ANC06CA110
Location
Coldfoot, AK
Event ID
20060929X01434
Coordinates
67.253608, -150.206390
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing area, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain during an aborted landing. Factors associated with the accident were wind gusts, and rough and uneven terrain.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
12-543
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1946
Model / ICAO
PA-12PA12
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
3
FAA Model
PA-12

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
ZWEIFEL DOUGLAS L
Address
PO BOX 202202
City
ANCHORAGE
State / Zip Code
AK 99520-2202
Country
United States

Analysis

The private pilot was landing on a mountain ridgeline in a tundra tire-equipped airplane during a Title 14, CFR Part 91 business flight. The pilot said that he inadvertently touched down about 10 feet beyond his intended touchdown point, and he added full engine power to abort the landing. After becoming airborne, a gust of wind pushed the airplane towards the ground, and the right main wheel struck a large rock. The airplane collided with the ground, and the main landing gear collapsed. The airplane sustained structural damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC06CA110