PIPER PA-12
Chena Hot Springs, AK — October 2, 2010
Event Information
| Date | October 2, 2010 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ANC11CA001 |
| Event ID | 20101003X41532 |
| Location | Chena Hot Springs, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 65.05167, -146.03473 |
| Airport | Chena Hot Springs |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-12 |
| 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 inadequate compensation for the wind conditions during landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control and collision with trees.
Full Narrative
The private pilot reported he was landing the tailwheel-equipped airplane on a gravel-covered runway in a left crosswind. He said that he used insufficient rudder on touchdown, and that shortly thereafter the airplane "curved" to the left. He stated he added power to correct the situation and abort the landing, but the airplane's right wing contacted trees and brush "well below flying speed" and pivoted to the right. The airplane continued to track right, exited the gravel runway, and came to rest at the base of an embankment. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing assembly and empennage. The pilot noted that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane during the time frame of the accident. The airplane was operated as a personal flight under the provisions of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, when the accident occurred.
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.