Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 12 near Chickaloon, AK — 2017-06-25

Final reportGAA17CA387
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Date
2017-06-25
Location
Chickaloon, AK, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA 12
Registration
N2737M
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper landing flare on a turf runway, which necessitated a go-around during which he failed to establish a climb.

NTSB narrative

The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he attempted to land on a 600-ft-long turf surface. He overflew the landing site three times to assess its suitability. During the touchdown, the airplane bounced, and the pilot initiated a go-around. He reduced the flaps to 10°, turned the carburetor heat off, and applied full throttle; he could not remember the airspeed or trim position. The airplane did not climb and touched down in a ravine just beyond the initial landing area. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the forward left side of the fuselage. In the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented if he had "More training in high altitude takeoffs and landings. More training in go-around techniques in bush planes." The pilot reported that there were no preaccident 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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