Casualties unknown

1994-06-01: Piper PA-12 (N4380M) — Fairbanks, AK

Fairbanks, AK, US

On June 1, 1994, a Piper PA-12 (registration N4380M) was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF AN UNSUITABLE LANDING AREA. 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 pilot overflew a landing area, saw no obstruction, and landed smoothly. He elected to stay on the ground. Two-thirds down the area, he saw a ditch and struck it. Too slow for a go-around and unable to stop, the main gear separated and the plane skidded to a stop.

Incident Overview

According to the pilot's statement, the approach included an overflight of the landing area, during which no obstructions were visible. The pilot then initiated a landing with the intention to "drag the landing area." Upon touchdown, the landing was perceived as smooth, and the pilot decided to continue the landing rather than perform a go-around.

Sequence of Events

Approximately two-thirds of the distance down the landing area, a ditch became visible to the pilot. The airplane subsequently collided with the ditch. At that moment, the pilot reported that the airplane's speed was insufficient for a go-around, and braking was not effective enough to bring the airplane to a stop prior to the ditch.

Damage and Final Position

The impact with the ditch resulted in the separation of the main landing gear from the fuselage. Following the separation, the airplane skidded along the ground until it came to a complete stop.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01414. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.