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January 25, 2021 · Piper PA-14 · N4265H

Anchorage, AK

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 25, 2021
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Anchorage, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-14 (1948)
Tail Number
N4265H
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC21LA012

The instructor pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he was conducting a tailwheel endorsement training flight for another instructor pilot who was seated in the right seat as the pilot flying. After the pilot under instruction conducted multiple touch-and-go landings on the maintained asphalt runway, the instructor pilot decided to have the pilot conduct a touch-and-go on a snow-covered runway that was used by ski-equipped airplanes in the winter. The pilot landed in the center of the runway where the snow had been packed down by skis; however, the airplane drifted right after touchdown and the pilot attempted to correct back to the middle with the instructor pilot’s assistance. The right main landing gear tire “caught unpacked snow” which caused the airplane to turn rapidly right and flip over onto its back. The vertical stabilizer and right wing lift strut sustained substantial damage. The Federal Aviation Administration’s master airport information states that the runway is used seasonally as a snow runway (ski-equipped aircraft use recommended to minimize wheel rutting.) The instructor pilot was very familiar with the airport, where his flight training school was located. He likely knew that the runway was normally used for ski-equipped airplanes, and that unpacked snow or wheel ruts from other airplanes were potential hazards during the instructional flight. The instructor pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The instructor pilot’s selection of an unsuitable snow-covered runway for landing practice, and the pilot under instruction’s failure to maintain directional control during a landing roll, which resulted in a loss of control in unpacked snow and a subsequent nose-over.

Full Narrative

The instructor pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he was conducting a tailwheel endorsement training flight for another instructor pilot who was seated in the right seat as the pilot flying. After the pilot under instruction conducted multiple touch-and-go landings on the maintained asphalt runway, the instructor pilot decided to have the pilot conduct a touch-and-go on a snow-covered runway that was used by ski-equipped airplanes in the winter. The pilot landed in the center of the runway where the snow had been packed down by skis; however, the airplane drifted right after touchdown and the pilot attempted to correct back to the middle with the instructor pilot’s assistance. The right main landing gear tire “caught unpacked snow” which caused the airplane to turn rapidly right and flip over onto its back. The vertical stabilizer and right wing lift strut sustained substantial damage. The Federal Aviation Administration’s master airport information states that the runway is used seasonally as a snow runway (ski-equipped aircraft use recommended to minimize wheel rutting.) The instructor pilot was very familiar with the airport, where his flight training school was located. He likely knew that the runway was normally used for ski-equipped airplanes, and that unpacked snow or wheel ruts from other airplanes were potential hazards during the instructional flight. The instructor pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:28 AKST
Nearest AirportMerrill Fld (1nm SE)
Runway05/2
Runway Length2000 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-14
Tail NumberN4265H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · 0-320-B2B · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 62 · Basc · None
Crew 2Age 21 · First Class · None
Crew 3None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point32 F / 27 F
Altimeter29.93 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data