Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-20 near Akhiok, AK — 2010-09-02

Final reportANC10CA082
Sign in to save
Date
2010-09-02
Location
Akhiok, AK, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-20
Registration
N1594A
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while maneuvering at a low altitude.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot was on a personal cross-country flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. He said he had arrived at an abandoned gravel airstrip, and was making a low pass to assess wind and runway conditions for landing. He said while making a pass 12-15 feet above the ground, he decided the conditions were not right for landing due to a crosswind. He reported that as he applied power to terminate the low pass, a gust of wind from the right rolled the airplane to the left, and the left wing struck the ground. The pilot said despite full rudder, aileron, and power, he was unable to overcome the roll. The pilot said there were no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident, and that the wings and fuselage sustained substantial damage during the accident. The pilot said he had not realized how the topography around the strip influenced the crosswind, and how fast the weather conditions were changing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

Related mishaps