On August 4, 1991, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N4448Z) operated by Michael Grow was involved in an aviation accident near Willow, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to land immediately after a low pass mishap rather than executing a go-around, which resulted in the left wing striking vegetation and the aircraft leaving the runway surface. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot conducting a low pass over the intended landing area experienced a left wing strike with alder bushes, prompting an immediate landing that resulted in further ground contact and runway excursion.
What happened
The pilot-in-command was executing a low pass over the designated landing area when the left wing of the aircraft made contact with alder bushes. Following this initial impact, the airplane began to veer to the left. Rather than initiating a go-around procedure, the pilot decided to land immediately.
After touchdown and during the rollout phase, the left wing struck additional vegetation, including bushes and trees. This continued ground contact caused the aircraft to veer off the left side of the airstrip.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to land immediately after a low pass mishap rather than executing a go-around, which resulted in the left wing striking vegetation and the aircraft leaving the runway surface.
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