Casualties unknown

2003-04-19: Piper PA-12 (N3651N) — Dillingham, AK

Dillingham, AK, US

On April 19, 2003, a Piper PA-12 (registration N3651N) was involved in an aviation accident near Dillingham, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions while taxiing for takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control and an on ground encounter with ocean water. A factor associated with the accident was a gusty wind condition. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A private pilot's tundra-tire airplane nosed over and sank in shallow ocean surf after a gust of wind pivoted the nose downhill during taxi at a remote beach, causing substantial left-wing damage.

Incident Overview

A private pilot was preparing to depart from a remote beach site adjacent to open ocean waters in a tundra-tire equipped airplane. While taxiing for takeoff, a strong gust of wind pivoted the airplane's nose to the left, downhill and toward the ocean surf. The pilot reported he was unable to stop the airplane before the main wheels entered the ocean surf.

Sequence of Events

The airplane subsequently nosed over and sank in the shallow ocean surf waters. The incident resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Aircraft and Conditions

The airplane was equipped with tundra tires, commonly used for operations on soft or uneven surfaces such as beaches. The specific make, model, and registration of the aircraft were not provided in the source. The incident occurred during daylight hours, but exact time and weather details beyond the gust of wind are unspecified.

Outcome

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and sank in the surf. The pilot's status was not mentioned in the source, and no injuries or fatalities are reported. The accident remains a subject of the investigation, which has not assigned a probable cause in the available information.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030422X00542. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.