Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-20 near Chitina, AK — 2022-03-25

Final reportANC22LA027
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Date
2022-03-25
Location
Chitina, AK, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-20
Registration
N7074K
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s exceedance of the wing’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in a stall and impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during approach to land on a snow-covered glacier, the airplane was “lower and slower” than his previous approaches to the glacier. He executed a go-around, the wind “shifted”, and the airplane stalled and impacted the terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and right wing. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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