Cessna 172
Karluk, AK — September 1, 2018
Event Information
| Date | September 1, 2018 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA18CA526 |
| Event ID | 20180903X95151 |
| Location | Karluk, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 57.99722, -154.99638 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Cessna |
| Model | 172 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain proper pitch for a soft-field landing, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that, while landing on a beach, as he "relaxed" the back pressure on the yoke, the airplane ground looped, the right wing struck the ground, and then the left wing struck the ground.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot added that after examining the tracks in the sand, it was obvious that he failed to hold back pressure on the yoke during the landing roll to maintain a proper soft-field technique.
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.