On August 23, 2001, a Piper PA-12 (registration N7604H) was involved in an aviation accident near Nenana, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and control during the final approach, resulting in striking trees just before touchdown on an insufficiently long off-airport site. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot attempted to land on a short, unimproved site but struck trees just before touchdown, causing the aircraft to nosed over and sustain substantial damage.
What happened
The certificated private pilot was attempting to land at an off-airport location characterized by a remarkably short runway length of only 800 feet. As the airplane approached the end of the available landing area, just prior to touchdown, the aircraft encountered a small stand of trees situated near the approach end of the site. Both main wheels struck the vegetation, which abruptly halted the forward momentum and caused the airplane to nosed over.
The investigation
Post-accident examination revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage as a result of the impact with the trees and the subsequent ground contact during the nosed-over event. No further mechanical anomalies were noted beyond those directly resulting from the accident sequence.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and control during the final approach, resulting in striking trees just before touchdown on an insufficiently long off-airport site.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 23 Aug 2001 Piper PA-12 accident near Nenana, AK?
A private pilot attempted to land on a short, unimproved site but struck trees just before touchdown, causing the aircraft to nosed over and sustain substantial damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 23 Aug 2001 Piper PA-12 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Aug 2001 involved a Piper PA-12, registration N7604H, at Nenana, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and control during the final approach, resulting in striking trees just before touchdown on an insufficiently long off-airport site.
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