Accident Details
Date
Sunday, January 31, 2010
NTSB Number
ANC10CA016
Location
Skwentna, AK
Event ID
20100201X91417
Coordinates
61.563888, -151.557785
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 decision to make a low-altitude approach to land over trees in gusting winds, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a tree and a loss of control.
Aircraft Information
Registration
N4568H
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
15-342
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Registered Owner (Historical)
Name
KNAPP ALAN L
Address
3100 N DEPARTURE CT
Status
Deregistered
City
WASILLA
State / Zip Code
AK 99654-4318
Country
United States
Analysis
The private pilot reported that he was on a personal flight and was attempting to land on a frozen lake. While on final approach to land, he said the airplane encountered a wind gust and that the left wing struck the top of a tree. The airplane descended and collided with terrain short of the intended landing site. The pilot 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# ANC10CA016