Accident Overview
On September 28, 2012, at approximately 1016 Alaska daylight time, an Aviat Inc. Husky A-1 airplane, registration N36LE, sustained substantial damage during a landing at Chena Marina Airport in Fairbanks, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) local flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. The certificated private pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.
Pilot Account
During an on-scene interview with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC) on the day of the accident, the pilot reported that the flight originated at Chena Marina Airport for local touch-and-go landing practice. After completing several touch-and-go landings, he was returning for a full-stop landing. The touchdown was normal, but during the landing roll, the tail began to rise. The pilot applied full back pressure on the control stick in an attempt to lower the tail, but the airplane nosed over. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
Damage and Examination
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the rudder, lift struts, and wings. An aircraft mechanic who responded to the accident site told the NTSB IIC that both main wheels turned freely after the accident. The mechanic also observed skid marks from the main wheels on the gravel-surfaced runway. A postaccident examination revealed that material from the brake shoes had adhered to both main brake discs.
Weather Conditions
The closest weather reporting facility is Fairbanks International Airport, located approximately 2 miles east of the accident site. At 0953, an aviation routine weather report (METAR) at Fairbanks reported: wind calm; visibility 10 statute miles; scattered clouds at 5,000 feet; broken clouds at 8,500 feet; temperature 37°F; dew point 34°F; altimeter 29.22 inHg.