AVIAT AIRCRAFT INC A-1B
Palmer, AK — July 6, 2011
Event Information
| Date | July 6, 2011 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ANC11CA058 |
| Event ID | 20110708X14238 |
| Location | Palmer, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 61.48417, -149.04195 |
| Highest Injury | SERS |
Aircraft
| Make | AVIAT AIRCRAFT INC |
| Model | A-1B |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 1 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 2 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's decision to fly at a low altitude in mountainous terrain and weather conditions conducive to downdrafts.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he was flying in mountainous terrain while showing the passenger some sheep. As the airplane passed near an area of steep terrain, he encountered a strong downdraft, and the airplane began to descend. He added full engine power to stop the descent, but the airplane continued to descend, and impacted an area of down sloping, rock-covered terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, and empennage. The pilot indicated 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.