Casualties unknown

2007-06-11: Cessna 170 (N3412D) — Anchorage, AK

Anchorage, AK, US

On June 11, 2007, a Cessna 170 (registration N3412D) was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while landing, and his selection of an unsuitable landing site, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a tree and an on-ground encounter with brush. 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 commercial pilot delivering fuel to a disabled airplane struck a tree during landing, causing damage to the wings and control surfaces. The pilot acknowledged that pre-landing reconnaissance would have been prudent.

Accident Details

A commercial certificated pilot was conducting a fuel delivery flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91 to supply an airplane that had made an emergency landing at an off-airport site. The disabled airplane was obstructing a significant portion of the landing area, prompting the accident pilot to choose a long landing to clear the obstruction.

Pilot's Statement

In a written statement to the National Transportation Safety Board, the pilot reported that during the final approach, approximately 15 to 20 feet above the overgrown landing site, the airplane's left wing struck a tree. The airplane then touched down hard, yawed to the left, and came to rest with the right wing embedded in high brush. The pilot acknowledged that conducting a flyover of the landing area or asking additional questions of the pilot on the ground before landing would have been prudent.

Damage Assessment

The accident resulted in damage to the right wing leading edge, right aileron, elevator, and left wing leading edge. According to the pilot, there were no known mechanical anomalies with the airplane prior to the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070711X00902. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.