No fatalities

PIPER PA-12 accident at Tyonek, AK, 6 Sept 2021

Tyonek, AK, United States

On September 6, 2021, a PIPER PA-12 was involved in an aviation accident near Tyonek, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s selection of inappropriate terrain and decision to land with a tailwind, which resulted in a loss of directional control, an attempted go-around, and subsequent impact with terrain. 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 selection of inappropriate terrain and decision to land with a tailwind, which resulted in a loss of directional control, an attempted go-around, and subsequent impact with terrain.

— NTSB Determination

Contributing factors

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilotAttain/maintain not possibleEffect on operation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Sept 2021 PIPER PA-12 accident near Tyonek, AK?

The pilot’s selection of inappropriate terrain and decision to land with a tailwind, which resulted in a loss of directional control, an attempted go-around, and subsequent impact with terrain.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Sept 2021 PIPER PA-12 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Sept 2021 involved a PIPER PA-12, at Tyonek, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s selection of inappropriate terrain and decision to land with a tailwind, which resulted in a loss of directional control, an attempted go-around, and subsequent impact with terrain.