Casualties unknown

Airplane Experiences Landing Gear Damage After Hitting Tundra Berm During Takeoff (N8402S)

Togiak, AK, US

On August 22, 1992, a Piper PA-32 (registration N8402S) operated by Peninsula Airways, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Togiak, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER PREFLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION, AND HIS DELAY IN ABORTING THE TAKEOFF. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE THE BERM AND THE STANDING WATER ON THE RUNWAY. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 13 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff, the airplane failed to climb above 2 feet due to stall warning horn activation. The right main landing gear struck a 3-foot tundra berm and was sheared off. The pilot landed on a beach, collapsing the nose gear.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported an incident during takeoff where the airplane exhibited performance limitations and subsequently sustained landing gear damage after contacting a tundra berm. The event involved the airplane's right main landing gear being sheared off and the nose landing gear collapsing during a forced landing on a beach.

Pilot Account

According to the pilot, after becoming airborne, the airplane would not climb higher than about 2 feet above the ground without the stall warning horn sounding. The pilot also stated that the takeoff roll was delayed due to standing water and mud puddles on the runway surface.

Sequence of Events

Approximately 20 feet past the end of the runway, the airplane's right main landing gear struck a 3-foot-high tundra berm, resulting in the gear being sheared off. The pilot then reduced power and executed a landing on the beach that parallels the runway. During this landing, the nose landing gear collapsed.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15299. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.