Summary
On October 10, 2011, a Piper PA-18 (N124GS) was involved in an incident near Skwentna, AK. All 1 person 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 inadequate clearance from a tree during an off-airport landing.
The pilot reported that just prior to landing at an off-airport site, he was distracted by sunlight reflecting off a nearby river. As the main landing gear touched down, the right wing hit a tree root and the rear wing spar sustained substantial damage. The pilot indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane. He stated that the accident could have been prevented had he landed the opposite direction, because there were no obstacles on that approach.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ANC12CA003. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N124GS.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's inadequate clearance from a tree during an off-airport landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that just prior to landing at an off-airport site, he was distracted by sunlight reflecting off a nearby river. As the main landing gear touched down, the right wing hit a tree root and the rear wing spar sustained substantial damage. The pilot indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane. He stated that the accident could have been prevented had he landed the opposite direction, because there were no obstacles on that approach.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC12CA003