Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-12 near Gulkana, AK — 2010-01-14

Final reportANC10LA012
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Date
2010-01-14
Location
Gulkana, AK, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-12
Registration
N3233M
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in structural damage to the airplane during landing.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot was on a passenger flight when the accident occurred. The pilot said that, due to the cold outside temperature, he departed with the airplane's oil cooler cover in place. He said that the engine temperature increased and that he decided to land and remove the oil cooler cover. He then landed on a snow-covered lake and after landing he continued laying down tracks in the snow to aid in his departure. While laying down tracks the airplane's skis hit a ridge hidden under the snow. The pilot then examined the airplane and found that a fuselage frame tube had broken near the right main landing gear attachment. The pilot said that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have removed the oil cooler cover before departure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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