Piper PA22
Arctic Village, AK — August 30, 2019
Event Information
| Date | August 30, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ANC19CA057 |
| Event ID | 20200603X81031 |
| Location | Arctic Village, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 68.09016, -145.59938 |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | Piper |
| Model | PA22 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering to avoid mountainous terrain, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall.
Full Narrative
According to the pilot, he was conducting a low reconnaissance flight over a mountain ridgeline to determine its suitability as an off-airport landing site. The pilot stated that he was not paying attention to the airplane's airspeed as he completed the flyover and approached rising terrain. In an effort to avoid the rising terrain, he initiated a go-around by applying full power and starting a left turn, but the right wing stalled and struck terrain. The airplane cartwheeled sustaining substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.
The pilot stated there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies 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.