No fatalities

PIPER PA-12 accident at Anchorage, AK, 16 Jan 2023

Anchorage, AK, United States

On January 16, 2023, a PIPER PA-12 was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing site, resulting in the main landing gear wheels breaking through the snow, and a subsequent nose over. 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 an unsuitable landing site, resulting in the main landing gear wheels breaking through the snow, and a subsequent nose over.

— NTSB Determination

Contributing factors

Capability exceededPilot

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Jan 2023 PIPER PA-12 accident near Anchorage, AK?

The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing site, resulting in the main landing gear wheels breaking through the snow, and a subsequent nose over.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Jan 2023 PIPER PA-12 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Jan 2023 involved a PIPER PA-12, at Anchorage, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing site, resulting in the main landing gear wheels breaking through the snow, and a subsequent nose over.