Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-12 near McGrath, AK — 2023-05-29

Final reportANC23LA041
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Date
2023-05-29
Location
McGrath, AK, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-12
Registration
N7712H
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s delayed decision to abort the takeoff, which resulted in a forced landing and impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was attempting to depart from an off-airport location. He normally departed downhill into the wind, but the wind direction had shifted. He elected to depart up the hill into the wind. At the end of the runway the airplane lifted off the ground but was not climbing fast enough to avoid the rising terrain. The pilot chose to land, the airplane touched down on the tundra and nosed down. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident 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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