Accident Details
On April 16, 2009, at approximately 1730 Alaska daylight time, a ski-equipped Cessna 152, registration N46326, was involved in an accident about 60 miles west-northwest of Talkeetna, Alaska. The airplane was operating as a visual flight rules personal local flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Pilot Statement
During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge on April 17, the pilot reported that he made a low pass over a mountain climber's base camp on Mt. McKinley, located on the Kahiltna Glacier at an elevation of about 7,200 feet. The pass was conducted at approximately 100 feet above the ground with full flaps and an airspeed of about 65 knots. When the pilot retracted the flaps, the airplane descended into the snow. Despite applying full power, the pilot was unable to arrest the descent.
Damage and Injuries
The airplane sustained substantial damage to its wings and fuselage during the impact. The private pilot and sole passenger were not injured. The pilot stated that there were no known mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.