1995-08-02: Piper PA-22-150 — Nikiski, AK

Casualties unknown • Nikiski, AK, US

Probable cause

THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN, AND HIS DELAY IN ABORTING THE TAKEOFF. THE SOFT TERRAIN AND HIGH GRASS WERE RELATED FACTORS.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE CERTIFICATED PRIVATE PILOT AND THREE PASSENGERS LANDED AT A REMOTE AREA TO FISH. THE PILOT HAD LANDED AT THE ACCIDENT SITE ON PREVIOUS OCCASIONS. THE LANDING AREA WAS SOFT AND MUDDY WITH HIGH GRASS. A LIGHT RAIN WAS FALLING IN THE AREA. THE PILOT INDICATED THAT DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL FOR THE RETURN FLIGHT, THE AIRPLANE ACCELERATED TO 60 MPH, BUT LIFTOFF WAS IMPEDED BY HIGH GRASS. THE PILOT ABORTED THE TAKEOFF, AND THE AIRPLANE TRAVELED BEYOND THE TAKEOFF AREA. THE NOSE GEAR THEN FAILED, AND THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-08-02 Piper PA-22-150 accident near Nikiski, AK?

THE CERTIFICATED PRIVATE PILOT AND THREE PASSENGERS LANDED AT A REMOTE AREA TO FISH. THE PILOT HAD LANDED AT THE ACCIDENT SITE ON PREVIOUS OCCASIONS. THE LANDING AREA WAS SOFT AND MUDDY WITH HIGH GRASS. A LIGHT RAIN WAS FALLING IN THE AREA. THE PILOT INDICATED THAT DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL FOR THE RETURN FLIGHT, THE…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-08-02 involved a Piper PA-22-150, registration N7597D, at Nikiski, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN, AND HIS DELAY IN ABORTING THE TAKEOFF. THE SOFT TERRAIN AND HIGH GRASS WERE RELATED FACTORS.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04120. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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