Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-12 near Anchorage, AK — 2023-01-16

Final reportANC23LA015
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Date
2023-01-16
Location
Anchorage, AK, USA
Airport
A11
Aircraft
PIPER PA-12
Registration
N3904M
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing site, resulting in the main landing gear wheels breaking through the snow, and a subsequent nose over.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during landing on a snow-covered frozen lake in a tundra tire-equipped airplane, the main landing gear wheels broke through the hard-packed snow, and the airplane subsequently nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the wings, lift struts and rudder. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures 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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