No fatalities

PIPER PA-12 accident at Nikolai, AK, 28 Aug 2021

Nikolai, AK, United States

On August 28, 2021, a PIPER PA-12 was involved in an aviation accident near Nikolai, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s loss of control on go-around in gusting crosswind conditions. Contributing to accident was the pilot’s decision to attempt to land at a short off-airport landing site with a malfunctioning airspeed indicator. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of control on go-around in gusting crosswind conditions. Contributing to accident was the pilot’s decision to attempt to land at a short off-airport landing site with a malfunctioning airspeed indicator.

— NTSB Determination

Contributing factors

PilotAirspeed — Not attained/maintainedAngle of attack — Not attained/maintainedMalfunction

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Aug 2021 PIPER PA-12 accident near Nikolai, AK?

The pilot’s loss of control on go-around in gusting crosswind conditions. Contributing to accident was the pilot’s decision to attempt to land at a short off-airport landing site with a malfunctioning airspeed indicator.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Aug 2021 PIPER PA-12 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Aug 2021 involved a PIPER PA-12, at Nikolai, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s loss of control on go-around in gusting crosswind conditions. Contributing to accident was the pilot’s decision to attempt to land at a short off-airport landing site with a malfunctioning airspeed indicator.