Piper PA 18A
Chickaloon, AK — April 7, 2020
Event Information
| Date | April 7, 2020 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ANC20CA041 |
| Event ID | 20200408X83126 |
| Location | Chickaloon, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 61.53972, -147.13445 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Piper |
| Model | PA 18A |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which necessitated a go-around, and her subsequent failure to maintain clearance from rising mountainous terrain.
Full Narrative
The pilot was landing a wheel/ski-equipped airplane at a remote off-airport site in an area of mountainous, snow-covered terrain, and reported that she selected an area that was slightly uphill. During the final stages of the approach she felt uncomfortable with the approach, so she elected to go-around. During the go-around, she added full power and started a left turn. The airplane subsequently collided with an area of rising, snow-covered terrain, sustaining substantial damage to the right wing, and fuselage.
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. In addition, she noted that the weather about the time of the accident was, clear sky with light and variable wind.
The pilot added that she should have made another practice approach or two to verify the wind direction and local terrain conditions.
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.