On September 4, 2001, a Piper PA-12 (registration N5129Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Tok, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to abort the landing. Factors associated with the accident were the pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing area, and his failure to attain a proper touchdown point. An additional factor was a ditch. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot bounced on landing a 700-ft site, recovered, then landed midfield. During heavy braking, the left wheel hit a ditch, collapsing the gear. The left wing struck the ground, causing substantial damage.
Accident Sequence
The certificated private pilot was landing to the east on a site with a 700-foot long landing area. As the airplane's main wheels touched down, the airplane bounced. The pilot recovered from the bounce and continued further down the runway, landing about midfield on the site. During the landing roll, while applying heavy braking, the left main wheel struck a small ditch at the end of the site.
Damage
As a result of striking the ditch, the left main landing gear collapsed. The left wing then struck the ground and sustained substantial damage.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.