What happened
On June 30, 2025, at approximately 16:30 Alaska daylight time, a Piper PA-22-150, registration N3609Z, was involved in an accident near Chinitna Bay, Alaska. The aircraft was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for personal use.
While en route, the pilot reported hearing two or three loud thuds, after which the aircraft experienced reduced rudder control. The pilot noted that the airplane began to yaw back and forth, an effect that increased when engine power was applied. Due to these issues, the pilot decided to execute a precautionary landing on a remote beach.
During the landing sequence, the right wheel made contact with the ground first, causing the airplane to veer to the right. The pilot attempted to correct the veer using left aileron, but because there was no rudder control, the aircraft subsequently nosed over. The accident resulted in no injuries to the pilot, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage to both wings, the lift struts, and the rudder.