Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-22 near Talkeetna, AK — 2023-07-02

Final reportANC23LA046
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Date
2023-07-02
Location
Talkeetna, AK, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-22
Registration
N3321B
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s encounter with a downdraft while maneuvering low-level, which resulted in a collision with terrain.

NTSB narrative

While maneuvering a float-equipped airplane low-level over a river, the pilot turned the airplane downwind and it encountered a downdraft. The airplane subsequently lost altitude and the pilot added power to climb; however, the airplane’s float impacted a gravel bar adjacent to the river. The airplane came to rest in an area of gravel-covered terrain, sustaining substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported 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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