On August 20, 1994, a Piper PA-12 (registration N2389M) operated by Benedict, Joel was involved in an aviation accident near Chickaloon, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE IN-FLIGHT PLANNING AND A FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE. FACTORS WERE THE RISING, ROUGH/UNEVEN TERRAIN AND THE TAILWIND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot and passenger on a business cross-country flight to a hunting site experienced a loss of directional control after landing on a remote tundra airstrip. The airplane diverged left toward a cone, and a go-around attempt resulted in a terrain collision.
Accident Overview
The pilot and a passenger were conducting a business cross-country flight to transport the passenger to a game hunting site for a guide/outfitter company. The landing was being made on a 600-foot-long remote tundra airstrip at 4,500 feet mean sea level in an area of rough, rising terrain.
Approach and Landing
While on final approach, the pilot reported a slight tail wind from the right rear quarter. After touchdown, the airplane began to diverge to the left toward an orange cone that was positioned at the left edge of the strip.
Go-Around Attempt
In response to the divergence, the pilot added power for a go-around. However, the airplane would not climb and subsequently collided with the terrain.
Conclusion
The investigation did not provide a probable cause for the accident.