PIPER PA-17
Skwentna, AK — January 31, 2010
Event Information
| Date | January 31, 2010 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ANC10CA016 |
| Event ID | 20100201X91417 |
| Location | Skwentna, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 61.56389, -151.55779 |
| Airport | na |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-17 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's decision to make a low-altitude approach to land over trees in gusting winds, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a tree and a loss of control.
Full Narrative
The private pilot reported that he was on a personal flight and was attempting to land on a frozen lake. While on final approach to land, he said the airplane encountered a wind gust and that the left wing struck the top of a tree. The airplane descended and collided with terrain short of the intended landing site. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.
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.