No fatalities

Go-Around Failure at Remote Site Results in Nose-Over (N2945M)

Wasilla, AK, US

On May 29, 2006, a Piper PA-12 (registration N2945M) operated by Robbie D. Speer was involved in an aviation accident near Wasilla, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for a tailwind during the landing flare, which resulted in an in-flight collision with snow-covered terrain during an aborted landing. Factors contributing to the accident were a tailwind and rising terrain. 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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot attempting a landing at a remote site encountered a quartering tailwind during the flare. After a bounce and a go-around attempt, the aircraft settled, struck snow, and nosed over, sustaining structural damage.

Incident Overview and Site Conditions A commercial certificated pilot was conducting a personal flight under CFR Part 91 when attempting to land at a remote site. The intended landing area measured approximately 600 feet in length and 70 feet in width, featuring slightly rising grass-covered terrain. Snow was present along the left side of the landing area. The pilot reported that wind conditions were calm during the initial approach. However, as the aircraft flared for touchdown, a quartering tailwind developed, causing a slight bounce. The pilot subsequently added full engine power to abort the landing. Despite this action, the airplane settled to the ground again, collided with the snow-covered area on the left side, and nosed over. The incident resulted in structural damage to the left wing, both wing lift struts, and the rudder.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 May 2006 Piper PA-12 accident near Wasilla, AK?

A pilot attempting a landing at a remote site encountered a quartering tailwind during the flare. After a bounce and a go-around attempt, the aircraft settled, struck snow, and nosed over, sustaining structural damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 May 2006 Piper PA-12 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 May 2006 involved a Piper PA-12, registration N2945M, operated by Robbie D. Speer, at Wasilla, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for a tailwind during the landing flare, which resulted in an in-flight collision with snow-covered terrain during an aborted landing. Factors contributing to the accident were a tailwind and rising terrain.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060621X00789. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.