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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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July 6, 2011 · Aviat Aircraft A-1B · N949AK

Palmer, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 6, 2011
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Palmer, AK
Aircraft
Aviat Aircraft A-1B
Tail Number
N949AK
Operator
Cline Richard L
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC11CA058

The pilot reported that he was flying at a low altitude in mountainous terrain when the airplane encountered a strong downdraft, and began to descend. He added full engine power to stop the descent, but the airplane continued to descend, and impacted an area of down sloping, rock-covered terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, and empennage. The pilot indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's decision to fly at a low altitude in mountainous terrain and weather conditions conducive to downdrafts.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he was flying in mountainous terrain while showing the passenger some sheep. As the airplane passed near an area of steep terrain, he encountered a strong downdraft, and the airplane began to descend. He added full engine power to stop the descent, but the airplane continued to descend, and impacted an area of down sloping, rock-covered terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, and empennage. The pilot indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:48 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAviat Aircraft A-1B
Tail NumberN949AK
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCline Richard L
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A1P · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 60 · First Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data