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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

March 26, 1996 · Taylorcraft BC12D · N39966

Palmer, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 26, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Palmer, AK
Aircraft
Taylorcraft BC12D
Tail Number
N39966
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC96LA038

The pilot was on a round trip personal flight around the Lake George Glacier area. During the flight he elected to land on an unimproved airstrip near the base of the Knik Glacier. During his overflight of the landing area he estimated the snow to be hard packed and 1 to 2 inches deep. Upon landing the airplane rolled about 95 to 110 feet and then nosed over. The pilot later estimated the snow to be 4 inches deep.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's selection of an unsuitable area for landing.

Full Narrative

On March 26, 1996, at 1915 Alaska standard time, a wheel equipped Taylorcraft, model BC12D, N39966, registered to and operated by the pilot, nosed over during landing on an unimproved landing strip near the base of the Knik Glacier located near Palmer, Alaska. The personal flight, operating under 14 CFR Part 91, departed Anderson Lake, near Wasilla, Alaska, for a local flight. During the flight the pilot decided to land at the unimproved landing strip. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The certificated private pilot and his passenger were not injured and the airplane received substantial damage. During a telephone conversation with the pilot on March 27, 1996, he stated that the unimproved landing strip was snow covered. During his aerial examination of the landing area, he thought the snow was 1 to 2 inches deep and very hard packed because of the distinct snowmobile tracks. Upon landing the airplane rolled for 95 to 110 feet and then nosed over. After landing, the pilot estimated the depth of the snow to be 4 inches.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:15 AKST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftTaylorcraft BC12D
Tail NumberN39966
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-85 · Reciprocating · 85
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 23 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility99 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data