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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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September 6, 2004 · Piper PA-22-160 · N9028D

Kenai, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 6, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Kenai, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-22-160
Tail Number
N9028D
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC04LA118

The private pilot reported he had successfully landed his airplane on a remote, off-airport beach. During the subsequent takeoff attempt, the airplane encountered soft sand, and he was unable to maintain directional control. He aborted the takeoff, but the airplane nosed over in the sand as it came to a stop, and received structural damage.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing/takeoff site, which resulted in a loss of control and a nose over during an aborted takeoff. Factors in the accident were soft terrain, and the pilot's failure to maintain directional control.

Full Narrative

On September 6, 2004, about 1500 Alaska daylight time, a wheel-equipped Piper PA-22-160 airplane, N9028D, received substantial damage when it nosed over during an aborted takeoff from a remote beach site, about 4 miles north of Kenai, Alaska. The private pilot and sole passenger were not injured. The local, Title 14, CFR Part 91 flight operated in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The flight departed Soldotna, Alaska, about 1400. The pilot reported in his written report to the NTSB, that after a successful landing on the remote coastal beach, he initiated a takeoff in the opposite direction of his landing, and attempted to stay in his original tire tracks in the sand. He noted that after approximately 50 yards, he was unable to stay in the tire tracks, and was unable to maintain directional control. He aborted the takeoff, but the airplane continued to roll forward, and eventually nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the wings, rudder, and lift struts. The pilot, a certificated aviation mechanic, noted that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-22-160
Tail NumberN9028D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A2B · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 38 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility100 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data