N799CCWalker AK Bush Flyer2008-08-14 NTSB Accident Report

Substantial
Minor

Walker AK Bush FlyerS/N: 001-2004

Summary

On August 14, 2008, a Walker AK Bush Flyer (N799CC) was involved in an accident near Deadhorse, AK. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the landing roll. A factor contributing to the accident was a tailwind.

The commercial pilot related that while landing the experimental, amateur built tailwheel airplane at an off-airport, tundra-covered site, the tail started to rise. He said he was unable to keep the tail from rising, and the airplane nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the right wing and both wing lift struts. The pilot noted that the airplane was exceptionally light, with no significant weight in the rear compartments. He said that the lack of the weight, coupled with a slight tailwind, added to his difficulty in controlling the airplane. He stated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.

This accident is documented in NTSB report ANC08CA105. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N799CC.

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, August 14, 2008
NTSB Number
ANC08CA105
Location
Deadhorse, AK
Event ID
20080828X01346
Coordinates
70.194725, -148.465270
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the landing roll. A factor contributing to the accident was a tailwind.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
WALKER
Serial Number
001-2004
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2005
Model / ICAO
AK Bush FlyerSA02
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
3
FAA Model
ALASKA BUSH FLYER

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
TYRRELL RICHARD E
Address
PO BOX 30168
City
CENTRAL
State / Zip Code
AK 99730-0168
Country
United States

Analysis

The commercial pilot related that while landing the experimental, amateur built tailwheel airplane at an off-airport, tundra-covered site, the tail started to rise. He said he was unable to keep the tail from rising, and the airplane nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the right wing and both wing lift struts. The pilot noted that the airplane was exceptionally light, with no significant weight in the rear compartments. He said that the lack of the weight, coupled with a slight tailwind, added to his difficulty in controlling the airplane. He stated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems 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# ANC08CA105