Accident Details
On April 10, 2022, at approximately 1320 Alaska standard time, a Cessna 172H airplane, registration N8020L, was substantially damaged in an accident near Birchwood, Alaska. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, reported no injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Landing and Excursion
According to the pilot, during touchdown on the asphalt runway, the tricycle-gear-equipped airplane unexpectedly veered to the right. Despite corrective attempts, the airplane departed the runway surface, collided with a snowbank, and subsequently nosed over. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer, rudder, and wings.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the nose landing gear system revealed no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have prevented normal operation. Examination of the landing surface indicated tire witness marks consistent with the airplane touching down on the left main tire in a left-wing-low attitude. The right main tire did not make contact with the ground until after the airplane had exited the runway surface.