Casualties unknown

1983-01-30: Piper PA-12 (N2904M) — Anchorage, AK

Anchorage, AK, US

On January 30, 1983, a Piper PA-12 (registration N2904M) was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot reported that during landing with a 7-knot right crosswind, a loose fire extinguisher jammed under the right rudder pedal, causing the aircraft to drift left and strike a snow berm.

Incident Overview

A student pilot reported an accident during the landing roll on a runway with a 7-knot right crosswind. The aircraft began drifting to the left, and the pilot attempted to correct using right rudder input. However, the fire extinguisher had come loose from its mounting and became jammed under the right rudder pedal, preventing full rudder movement. Subsequently, the aircraft struck a snow berm near the left side of the runway.

Pilot Account

According to the pilot, the fire extinguisher is normally mounted on the floor in front of the pilot's seat and is easy to kick inadvertently. He stated that no mechanical irregularities were present with the aircraft except for the clamp securing the fire extinguisher. At 1635 Alaska Standard Time, the wind at the airport was reported as calm.

Aircraft and Damage

The accident involved a single-engine aircraft, though the type and registration are not specified in the report. Damage to the aircraft was limited to the collision with the snow berm. No injuries were reported.

Contributing Factors

The pilot noted that the loose fire extinguisher clamp allowed the extinguisher to shift and obstruct the rudder pedal. The source does not provide an explicit probable cause determination.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X41915. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.