7 Apr 2020: Piper PA 18A 150

7 Apr 2020: Piper PA 18A 150 — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Chickaloon, AK, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which necessitated a go-around, and her subsequent failure to maintain clearance from rising mountainous terrain.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot was landing a wheel/ski-equipped airplane at a remote off-airport site in an area of mountainous, snow-covered terrain, and reported that she selected an area that was slightly uphill. During the final stages of the approach she felt uncomfortable with the approach, so she elected to go-around. During the go-around, she added full power and started a left turn. The airplane subsequently collided with an area of rising, snow-covered terrain, sustaining substantial damage to the right wing, and fuselage.

The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. In addition, she noted that the weather about the time of the accident was, clear sky with light and variable wind.

The pilot added that she should have made another practice approach or two to verify the wind direction and local terrain conditions.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • cause Altitude — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Effect on operation
  • cause Decision related to condition

Conditions

Weather
VMC, vis 10sm

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