PIPER PA-12
Delta Junction, AK — April 10, 2011
Event Information
| Date | April 10, 2011 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ANC11CA025 |
| Event ID | 20110411X83013 |
| Location | Delta Junction, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 64.03472, -145.50223 |
| Airport | Windsong |
| 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 | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's misjudged altitude while landing in bright sunlight on an airstrip surrounded by snow, resulting in an undershoot and a nose over.
Full Narrative
The pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings on a grass airstrip. He said snow had been removed from the center of the grass airstrip, but not the surrounding area. During his approach to land, he said bright sunlight reflected off the snow made him lose his depth perception, and the airplane touched down short of the runway, nosing over in deep snow. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical problems with the airplane. The airplane received substantial damage to both wings.
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.