PIPER PA-16
Big Lake, AK — March 17, 2013
Event Information
| Date | March 17, 2013 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ANC13CA034 |
| Event ID | 20130319X23121 |
| Location | Big Lake, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 61.46667, -150.39999 |
| Airport | Private |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-16 |
| 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 decision to land on unsuitable terrain.
Full Narrative
The pilot was landing his tailwheel-equipped airplane at a 1,400-foot-long, remote airstrip located on a frozen snow-covered lake. The surface of the airstrip appeared to be hard compacted snow with a turn-around at the south end of the airstrip. Before beginning the approach he determined a touchdown point in the turn-around area to afford maximum use of the landing surface. After touchdown the main wheels sank into the soft snow, and the airplane nosed over resulting in substantial damage to the rudder, lift struts and wings. Upon exiting the airplane, the pilot realized that the turn-around area was loose soft snow that had not been compacted. The pilot indicated there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
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.