Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-12 near Fairbanks, AK — 2025-06-14

Final reportANC25LA051
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Date
2025-06-14
Location
Fairbanks, AK, USA
Airport
NONE
Aircraft
PIPER PA-12
Registration
N3846M
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during a go-around with a tailwind.

NTSB narrative

While attempting to land on a short turf-covered airstrip, the pilot reported attempting a go-around. He applied full throttle and began a climbing left turn, but the airplane was unable to gain enough altitude to clear the trees off the departure end of the runway. Subsequently, the airplane impacted the trees and came to rest nose down, resulting in substantial damage to the wings, lift struts, and fuselage. The pilot reported that, during the final approach, the winds were variable between a left crosswind and a tailwind. 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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