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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

June 6, 2020 · Piper PA 12 No Series · N3824M

Palmer, AK

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 6, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Palmer, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA 12 No Series (1947)
Tail Number
N3824M
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC20CA058

The pilot was departing in his float-equipped three-seat airplane with four souls onboard. After departure and during the initial climb the airplane’s right wing impacted a tree, the airplane rotated 180° and impacted terrain sustaining substantial damage to the wings, lift struts, fuselage and left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operations. In a conversation with the NTSB IIC shortly after the accident, the pilot provided weights that equated to a gross weight at the time of the accident of about 2011 pounds or 173 pounds over its approved maximum takeoff gross weight limit. In the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1 the pilot reported that the gross weight at the time of the accident was 1845 pounds or 7 pounds over its maximum takeoff gross weight limit. In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot stated that the accident may have been prevented if he had taken a lighter load or less fuel.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s improper decision to load the airplane beyond its allowable gross weight limits, which resulted in an impact with a tree and collision with terrain.

Full Narrative

The pilot was departing in his float-equipped three-seat airplane with four souls onboard. After departure and during the initial climb the airplane’s right wing impacted a tree, the airplane rotated 180° and impacted terrain sustaining substantial damage to the wings, lift struts, fuselage and left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operations. In a conversation with the NTSB IIC shortly after the accident, the pilot provided weights that equated to a gross weight at the time of the accident of about 2011 pounds or 173 pounds over its approved maximum takeoff gross weight limit. In the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1 the pilot reported that the gross weight at the time of the accident was 1845 pounds or 7 pounds over its maximum takeoff gross weight limit. In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot stated that the accident may have been prevented if he had taken a lighter load or less fuel.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:45 AKDT
Nearest AirportWOLFLAKE (0nm SSE)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA 12 No Series
Tail NumberN3824M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 160
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 70 · None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 46
Altimeter29.75 inHg
Observation Time13:53

Appendix: Source Data