AVIAT A-1

Full Narrative

On September 28, 2012, about 1016 Alaska daylight time, an Aviat Inc. Husky A-1 airplane, N36LE, sustained substantial damage while landing at Chena Marina Airport, Fairbanks, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) local flight under the provisions of Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

During an on-scene interview with the National Transportation Safety Board(NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC) on September 28, the pilot stated that the accident flight originated at Chena Marina Airport, for a local flight to practice touch-and-go landings. He had completed several touch-and-go landings, and was returning for a full stop. The touchdown was normal, but during the landing roll the tail began to rise, he applied full back pressure on the control stick in an attempt to lower the tail, but the airplane nosed-over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder, lift struts, and wings. The pilot stated there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

During a conversation with the NTSB IIC, an aircraft mechanic who responded to the accident site, said he found both main wheels turned freely. He also observed skid marks from the main wheels on the gravel surfaced runway.

A postaccident examination revealed material from the brake shoes had adhered to both main brake discs.

The closest weather reporting facility is Fairbanks International Airport, approximately 2 mile east of the accident site. At 0953, an aviation routine weather report (METAR) at Fairbanks, Alaska, reported: wind clam; visibility, 10 statute miles; scattered clouds at 5000 feet; broken clouds at 8500 feet; temperature, 37 degrees F; dew point 34 degrees F; altimeter, 29.22 inHG.