PIPER PA 12
Nulato, AK — June 2, 2018
Event Information
| Date | June 2, 2018 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA18CA320 |
| Event ID | 20180604X12629 |
| Location | Nulato, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 65.00000, -159.41667 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA 12 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DUSK |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing on upsloping terrain, and his subsequent failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during an attempted go-around, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that, while landing off airport on an upslope of a ridge, the tailwheel-equipped airplane "touched down harder than preferred". He applied full throttle, initiated a go-around, and attempted to turn towards the downslope side of the hill. The airplane briefly became airborne but then aerodynamically stalled and nosed down into the tundra.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.