On August 5, 2000, a Piper PA-12 (registration N2796M) was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilots selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. A factor was high brush along side the landing area. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot was landing on a road near power lines. During the flare, the left wing hit high brush, causing the airplane to pivot left, the tailwheel to hit brush, and the aircraft to nose over, resulting in wing and fuselage damage.
Incident Description
A private certificated pilot was conducting a landing on a road that was adjacent to power lines. During the landing approach, the pilot reduced engine power to initiate the landing flare. As the aircraft descended, the left wing struck high brush located along the edge of the road. This impact caused the airplane to pivot to the left. Subsequently, the tailwheel also struck the brush. The airplane then nosed over.
Damage Assessment
After the accident, the aircraft was inspected and found to have sustained damage to the wings, the wing lift struts, the tailwheel, and the fuselage. The wings were damaged from the initial contact with the brush, and the wing lift struts were also affected. The tailwheel assembly and fuselage structure were damaged during the nosing-over event.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 5 Aug 2000 Piper PA-12 accident near Anchorage, AK?
A private pilot was landing on a road near power lines. During the flare, the left wing hit high brush, causing the airplane to pivot left, the tailwheel to hit brush, and the aircraft to nose over, resulting in wing and fuselage damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 5 Aug 2000 Piper PA-12 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Aug 2000 involved a Piper PA-12, registration N2796M, at Anchorage, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilots selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. A factor was high brush along side the landing area.