Aircraft strikes terrain during low pass in mountainous area

Casualties unknown • Palmer, AK, US

A private pilot performing a low pass over a remote landing strip struck rising terrain during a turn, resulting in damage to the aircraft.

What happened

A certificated private pilot and a passenger were conducting an assessment of a landing strip located in a remote, mountainous region. The landing area was situated at an elevation of 5,000 feet mean sea level. At the time of the event, the area was experiencing numerous rain showers.

During the second low pass over the landing site, the pilot was flying toward upsloping terrain. Due to the rain, the pilot's vision became obscured. Upon noticing that the terrain was rising sharply, the pilot initiated a turn to move away from the slope. During this maneuver, the aircraft's landing gear made contact with the tundra-covered ground. The impact caused the airplane to descend into the terrain, resulting in damage to the landing gear, left wing, and propeller. There were no injuries reported following the accident.

Probable cause

The pilot's vision was obscured by rain while flying toward rising terrain, leading to a turn that resulted in the landing gear striking the ground.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-09-10 Piper PA-18 accident near Palmer, AK?

A private pilot performing a low pass over a remote landing strip struck rising terrain during a turn, resulting in damage to the aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-09-10 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N6996D, operated by James L. Baum, at Palmer, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's vision was obscured by rain while flying toward rising terrain, leading to a turn that resulted in the landing gear striking the ground.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04406. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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