On September 12, 1997, a Piper PA-12 (registration N2389M) was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudgment of the touchdown point, which led to undershoot and the airplane nosing over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During an off-airport landing approach with a light right crosswind, the airplane settled on short final, the wheels struck a river bank, and the airplane nosed over.
Incident Overview
The pilot was on final approach to an off-airport landing area. The wind was light with a 30-degree right crosswind. The airplane was configured with full flaps, and the indicated airspeed was between 30 and 35 miles per hour.
Approach and Obstacles
A stand of trees was located directly upwind and adjacent to the runway threshold. On short final, the airplane settled, and the wheels struck the river bank short of the runway. The impact caused the airplane to nose over.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported the configuration and airspeed as stated. No further details on the aircraft or pilot were provided.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 12 Sept 1997 Piper PA-12 accident near Anchorage, AK?
During an off-airport landing approach with a light right crosswind, the airplane settled on short final, the wheels struck a river bank, and the airplane nosed over.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 Sept 1997 involved a Piper PA-12, registration N2389M, at Anchorage, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's misjudgment of the touchdown point, which led to undershoot and the airplane nosing over.
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