Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-12 near Delta Junction, AK — 2011-04-10

Final reportANC11CA025
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Date
2011-04-10
Location
Delta Junction, AK, USA
Airport
AK09
Aircraft
PIPER PA-12
Registration
N3613M
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's misjudged altitude while landing in bright sunlight on an airstrip surrounded by snow, resulting in an undershoot and a nose over.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, he was practicing takeoffs and landings on a grass airstrip. He said snow had been removed from the center of the grass airstrip, but not the surrounding area. During his approach to land, bright sunlight reflected off the snow that made him lose his depth perception. The airplane touched down short of the runway, nosing over in deep snow. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical problems with the airplane. The airplane received substantial damage to both wings.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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