N2791P

Substantial
None

Piper PA 18AS/N: 18-4426

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
NTSB Number
ANC20CA041
Location
Chickaloon, AK
Event ID
20200408X83126
Coordinates
61.539722, -147.134445
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which necessitated a go-around, and her subsequent failure to maintain clearance from rising mountainous terrain.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18-4426
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1955
Model / ICAO
PA 18AM600
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
PA-18A

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
MCCARTHY AIR LLC
Address
PO BOX 1888
City
PALMER
State / Zip Code
AK 99645-1888
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot was landing a wheel/ski-equipped airplane at a remote off-airport site in an area of mountainous, snow-covered terrain, and reported that she selected an area that was slightly uphill. During the final stages of the approach she felt uncomfortable with the approach, so she elected to go-around. During the go-around, she added full power and started a left turn. The airplane subsequently collided with an area of rising, snow-covered terrain, sustaining substantial damage to the right wing, and fuselage.

The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. In addition, she noted that the weather about the time of the accident was, clear sky with light and variable wind.

The pilot added that she should have made another practice approach or two to verify the wind direction and local terrain conditions.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC20CA041