Casualties unknown

2006-09-11: Piper PA-12 (N105JH) — Kenneth D. Ubben — Noatak, AK

Noatak, AK, US

On September 11, 2006, a Piper PA-12 (registration N105JH) operated by Kenneth D. Ubben was involved in an aviation accident near Noatak, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing site, which resulted in a loss of control during the landing roll and a nose over. Factors associated with the accident were soft terrain and the pilot's failure to maintain directional control. 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 landed a tailwheel airplane on a gravel bar, but the right main wheel hit soft sand, causing a veer into the river and a nose-over, resulting in substantial damage.

Incident Overview

A private pilot was operating a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. The pilot intended to land on a gravel bar adjacent to a river. During the landing roll, the right main landing gear wheel encountered soft sand. The airplane subsequently veered to the right, entered the river, and nosed over.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lift struts and the left wing.

Aircraft and Operation Details

The specific aircraft type, registration, and engine count were not provided in the source. The flight was conducted under Part 91 personal operations. The time of day, weather conditions, and presence of air traffic control were not documented in the source material.

Damage Assessment

As a result of the nose-over, the airplane's left wing and lift struts sustained substantial damage. No other damage items were specified.

Occupant Status

The source did not report any injuries or fatalities among the occupants. Toxicology tests or injury information were not mentioned.

Conclusion

The accident occurred when the right main landing gear wheel encountered soft sand during the landing roll on a gravel bar, leading to a loss of directional control and a nose-over in the adjacent river.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20061002X01437. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.