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NTSB Report
March 30, 1997 · Piper J-3 · N920NB
Soldotna, AK
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 30, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Soldotna, AK
Aircraft
Piper J-3
Tail Number
N920NB
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC97LA070
The pilot reported that his airplane hit the runway hard while landing in gusty wind conditions. The airplane bounced, landed hard again, and collapsed the right main landing gear. The right wing struck the ground, damaging the main spar.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusty wind conditions, and his improper recovery from a bounced landing. A factor associated with the accident was the gusty wind.
Full Narrative
On March 30, 1997, about 1415 Alaska standard time, a wheel equipped Piper J-3 airplane, N920NB, sustained substantial damage while landing at the Soldotna Airport, Soldotna, Alaska. The solo private pilot was not injured. The local, 14 CFR Part 91 flight operated in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector inspected the airplane and interviewed the pilot on May 12. According to the FAA inspector, the pilot was landing in gusty wind conditions. The airplane landed hard, bounced, and upon the second contact with the runway, the right main landing gear collapsed. The right wing subsequently struck the runway, and damaged the main spar. The pilot did not complete the NTSB Accident Report Form that was mailed to him.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:15 AKST
Nearest AirportSOLDOTNA (0nm)
Runway25
Runway Length4973 ft
Runway Width130 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper J-3
Tail NumberN920NB
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · A65-8 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 58 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO