Casualties unknown

1999-10-28: Piper PA-32-300 (N31606) — Russian Mission, AK

Russian Mission, AK, US

On October 28, 1999, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N31606) was involved in an aviation accident near Russian Mission, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's continued flight into adverse weather, and an inadvertent stall. Factors in the accident were adverse weather consisting of icing conditions, and airframe icing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A commercial pilot on a VFR scheduled flight stalled about 15 feet above ground during final approach, striking a berm and damaging the landing gear and wing. The pilot reported ice accumulation from a shower.

Accident Details

A commercial certificated pilot was conducting a visual flight rules (VFR) scheduled flight to a remote village. According to a telephone interview with the director of operations for the company, during the final approach phase for landing, the pilot reported that he appeared to be slow and added power. However, the airplane stalled about 15 feet above the ground. The main landing gear then struck a berm at the approach end of the runway. The right main landing gear was sheared off, and the left main gear axle was fractured. The right wing tip was damaged, and fuel was leaking from the right auxiliary fuel tank.

Post-Accident Observations

Following the accident, the director of operations for the company flew to the accident site. He reported encountering isolated snow showers while en route. Upon examining the accident airplane, he noticed a trace of ice on the airplane elevator.

Pilot's Report

In the Pilot/Operator report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) submitted by the operator, the pilot indicated that he flew through a large shower and collected ice on the airplane. On the approach to the airport, the pilot stated his airspeed was 70 knots, and the airplane was performing normally until it suddenly lost altitude.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19900. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.