Casualties unknown

Propeller Contact with Bush on Short Airstrip Leads to Substantial Damage (N78635)

Chenega Bay, AK, US

On August 17, 2000, a Piper PA-11 (registration N78635) was involved in an aviation accident near Chenega Bay, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate lookout. Factors involved in this accident were sunglare, and a tall bush next to the airstrip. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that during landing on a 1000-foot airstrip, the propeller struck an unseen bush 10 feet above the ground, causing the aircraft to spin and come to rest with substantial damage to the left wing and empennage.

Incident Overview

A pilot described an incident that occurred while attempting to land on a 1000-foot long by 40-foot wide airstrip. According to the pilot, a long, flat final approach was established, but conditions included a strong crosswind from the right and a low sun that was glaring off the water.

Sequence of Events

Approximately 10 feet above the airstrip, the propeller contacted a single tall bush that the pilot reported not having seen. Following the contact, the airplane stopped flying and spun around before coming to rest on the airstrip.

Damage Assessment

The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the left wing and the empennage.

Pilot Account

The pilot stated that the bush was not visible prior to the impact, likely due to the glare and the low sun angle. No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, or occupants were provided.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21636. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.