PIPER PA-18
Skwentna, AK — October 10, 2011
Event Information
| Date | October 10, 2011 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ANC12CA003 |
| Event ID | 20111014X94756 |
| Location | Skwentna, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 61.90889, -150.86890 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-18 |
| 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 inadequate clearance from a tree during an off-airport landing.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that just prior to landing at an off-airport site, he was distracted by sunlight reflecting off a nearby river. As the main landing gear touched down, the right wing hit a tree root and the rear wing spar sustained substantial damage. The pilot indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane. He stated that the accident could have been prevented had he landed the opposite direction, because there were no obstacles on that approach.
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.