N82057

Substantial
None

PIPER PA-18-150S/N: 18-7809120

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, June 7, 2009
NTSB Number
ANC09CA054
Location
Tyonek, AK
Event ID
20090611X75146
Coordinates
61.083332, -151.183334
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18-7809120
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1978
Model / ICAO
PA-18-150PA18
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
PA-18-150

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
MORELLI MICHAEL L
Address
19425 TRAIL BAY DR
City
EAGLE RIVER
State / Zip Code
AK 99577-8834
Country
United States

Analysis

The solo private pilot made a personal cross-country flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. During an aborted landing on a beach, the airplane sustained substantial damage when it struck debris and impacted terrain. In a written statement the pilot said he didn't like the feel of the terrain during the landing, and added power to abort the landing. He said the airplane struck debris during the aborted landing. The pilot said there were no known mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident, and that the propeller and left main landing gear was damaged during the accident. He further stated that he should have looked over the landing area better prior to landing, and had a better exit plan. During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge the mechanic who repaired the airplane, said he also repaired/replaced two nose ribs in the left wing's leading edge, and the left wingtip bow. He also replaced the damaged left lift strut at the owner's request.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC09CA054