2006-01-27: Piper J5 — Carefree, AZ

Casualties unknown • Carefree, AZ, US

Probable cause

the pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for the precautionary landing and failure to avoid obstacles during the landing roll.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The airplane struck a log during landing rollout in a dry riverbed. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was notified that an airplane had been seen in a dry riverbed. FAA inspectors went to the site the next day and found the airplane in the riverbed with a collapsed right landing gear strut. They found tracks in a straight line from the touchdown point to the impact point with no indications of a turn. The pilot said he made a precautionary landing in the dry riverbed to troubleshoot engine problems.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2006-01-27 Piper J5 accident near Carefree, AZ?

The airplane struck a log during landing rollout in a dry riverbed. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was notified that an airplane had been seen in a dry riverbed. FAA inspectors went to the site the next day and found the airplane in the riverbed with a collapsed right landing gear strut. They found tracks…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-01-27 involved a Piper J5, registration N35588, at Carefree, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for the precautionary landing and failure to avoid obstacles during the landing roll.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060310X00284. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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