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NTSB Report
March 17, 2013 · Piper PA-16 · N5942H
Big Lake, AK
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 17, 2013
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Big Lake, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-16
Tail Number
N5942H
Operator
Ylvisaker Robert G
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC13CA034
The pilot was landing his tailwheel-equipped airplane on a 1,400-foot-long, remote airstrip located on a frozen, snow-covered lake. According to the pilot, the surface of the airstrip appeared to be hard, compacted snow with a turn-around at its south end. Before beginning the approach, the pilot determined a touchdown point in the turn-around area to afford maximum use of the landing surface. After touchdown, the main wheels sank into the snow, and the airplane nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the rudder, lift struts, and wings. Upon exiting the airplane, the pilot realized that the turn-around area was loose, soft snow that had not been compacted. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
Environmental issues-Physical environment-Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surfa-Snow/slush/ice covered-Contributed to outcome
Full Narrative
The pilot was landing his tailwheel-equipped airplane at a 1,400-foot-long, remote airstrip located on a frozen snow-covered lake. The surface of the airstrip appeared to be hard compacted snow with a turn-around at the south end of the airstrip. Before beginning the approach he determined a touchdown point in the turn-around area to afford maximum use of the landing surface. After touchdown the main wheels sank into the soft snow, and the airplane nosed over resulting in substantial damage to the rudder, lift struts and wings. Upon exiting the airplane, the pilot realized that the turn-around area was loose soft snow that had not been compacted. The pilot indicated there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 AKDT
Nearest AirportPRIVATE (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length1400 ft
Runway Width40 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-16
Tail NumberN5942H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorYlvisaker Robert G
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235 SERIES · Reciprocating · 108
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 76 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point18 C / 1 C
Altimeter30.13 inHg
Observation Time13:53
Weather SourceWFAC