Accident Details
The accident occurred on September 17, 2012, at approximately 1200 Alaska daylight time, about 15 miles south of Talkeetna, Alaska. The airplane, a Piper PA-22-160 (registration N8433D), was operated by Alaska Floats and Skis of Talkeetna as a visual flight rules (VFR) instructional flight under Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight instructor sustained serious injuries, and the private pilot received minor injuries. The flight had departed Talkeetna at about 1150.
Narrative
In a written statement to the NTSB dated October 1, the flight instructor reported that after departing from Talkeetna Airport, they flew south toward Willow, Alaska, along the Susitna River at 200 feet AGL to practice coordination and familiarize the pilot with the airplane. After approximately 10 minutes, the flight instructor took control and initiated a left turn toward a gravel bar on the east side of the river. During the turn, the nose began to drop, the airplane descended, and the engine speed sounded as if it were increasing. The instructor applied engine power, leveled the wings, and released back pressure on the control yoke in an attempt to break any stall, but the airplane continued descending. As the airplane neared the ground, he applied additional back pressure, but the controls did not respond. The airplane then impacted the ground, causing substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.
Aircraft Information
The Piper PA-22-160 is a single-engine, four-seat light aircraft. The accident airplane was equipped with a 160-horsepower engine. No preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane were reported.
Injuries
The flight instructor received serious injuries in the accident, while the private pilot sustained minor injuries. The condition of the aircraft after impact did not allow for extraction of further occupant status from the source.