No fatalities

22 May 2010: PIPER PA-12 — RICHARD N. SUTLIFF — Chugiak, AK

Chugiak, AK, United States

On 22 May 2010, a PIPER PA-12 operated by RICHARD N. SUTLIFF was involved in an aviation accident near Chugiak, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain a proper glide path while landing, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a tree, and the collapse of the main landing gear during touchdown. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A private pilot struck a tree with the left main landing gear during landing, causing the airplane to yaw and both main landing gears to collapse. Substantial damage occurred to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. No preaccident mechanical issues were reported.

Incident Overview

A private pilot was completing a personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91 when the accident occurred during a landing at a remote airstrip surrounded by trees. The pilot reported that during the approach, just before touchdown, he allowed the airplane to drift left of the intended approach path. As a result, the left main landing gear wheel struck a tree, which yawed the airplane to the left.

Sequence of Events

After the tree strike, the airplane touched down. During touchdown, the right main landing gear collapsed, followed by the collapse of the left main landing gear. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage.

Pilot's Statement

The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.

Contributing factors

Causes

Descent/approach/glide path — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome