Summary
On July 06, 2011, a Aviat Aircraft INC A-1B (N949AK) was involved in an accident near Palmer, AK. The accident resulted in 1 serious injury, 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 decision to fly at a low altitude in mountainous terrain and weather conditions conducive to downdrafts.
The pilot reported that he was flying in mountainous terrain while showing the passenger some sheep. As the airplane passed near an area of steep terrain, he encountered a strong downdraft, and the airplane began to descend. He added full engine power to stop the descent, but the airplane continued to descend, and impacted an area of down sloping, rock-covered terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, and empennage. The pilot indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.
This accident is documented in NTSB report ANC11CA058. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N949AK.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's decision to fly at a low altitude in mountainous terrain and weather conditions conducive to downdrafts.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot reported that he was flying in mountainous terrain while showing the passenger some sheep. As the airplane passed near an area of steep terrain, he encountered a strong downdraft, and the airplane began to descend. He added full engine power to stop the descent, but the airplane continued to descend, and impacted an area of down sloping, rock-covered terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, and empennage. The pilot indicated 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# ANC11CA058