Summary
On January 29, 2011, a Miller Gregory Scott GOT ROCKS (N9015U) was involved in an incident near Anchorage, AK. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing/takeoff area with an unfavorable wind.
The pilot said he was attempting a touch-and-go landing in a ski-equipped airplane on a snow-covered mountaintop site, which was surrounded by higher mountains. Before beginning his approach to the site, he determined the wind conditions, and then planned an easterly approach into a 10 mph headwind. After landing, he turned the airplane to the north in preparation for takeoff, and as it passed out of a wind-protected area, a strong southerly wind lifted the airplane's tail. The pilot was unable to control the airplane in the strong wind, and it nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the wings and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ANC11CA011. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N9015U.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing/takeoff area with an unfavorable wind.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot said he was attempting a touch-and-go landing in a ski-equipped airplane on a snow-covered mountaintop site, which was surrounded by higher mountains. Before beginning his approach to the site, he determined the wind conditions, and then planned an easterly approach into a 10 mph headwind. After landing, he turned the airplane to the north in preparation for takeoff, and as it passed out of a wind-protected area, a strong southerly wind lifted the airplane's tail. The pilot was unable to control the airplane in the strong wind, and it nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the wings and empennage. The pilot reported 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# ANC11CA011